Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has opened a newly refurbished Eridge station following the completion of multi-million-pound improvements as part of the Access for All scheme to ensure that Eridge station is fully step-free.
Today (Wednesday, 16 February), Nusrat welcomed the rail Minister Wendy Morton MP, Wealden District Council Leader Bob Standley and a host of senior railway figures at the classic country junction station of Eridge to celebrate the opening of accessibility improvements that mark the final step in a transformation of the location.
The £1.9m project saw a lift, ramp, and other improvements delivered by Network Rail and BAM Nuttall on behalf of the Department for Transport’s Access for All fund. The work was designed to blend in with the heritage aspects of the 1868 station, which is remarkably well-preserved and shared with the Spa Valley steam railway. It follows a series of projects to improve the station, including a new £1.8m footbridge, £500,000 canopy and platform refurbishments, and other heritage improvements.
The Access for All Programme is part of the Department for Transport’s Inclusive Transport Strategy to deliver accessible routes at stations most in need across Great Britain. As Transport Minister between 2018-2020, Nusrat championed accessibility and the Inclusivity Transport Strategy.
Nusrat secured this funding for both Eridge and Crowborough stations and the works at Crowborough are expected to be completed later this year.
Nusrat Ghani said: “It was a pleasure welcoming the Minister to Wealden to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Eridge station. Train travel is a key form of transport for Wealden residents, and I am delighted to have secured this multi-million-pound funding to ensure that Eridge station is fully step free, accessible to all Wealden commuters and fit for the future. Thank you to all the contractors and volunteers involved in delivering this project for Eridge. It is fantastic that Wealden train stations are benefiting from this major investment programme, and I look forward to seeing similar works completed at Crowborough station later this year.”
