Eight-figure sum quoted to fix Ledbury station access

A long-standing problem at a Herefordshire railway station could cost £10 million to put right.

Currently, the northern platform of Ledbury station, which handles eastbound trains, can only be reached by a footbridge, not usable by those who need step-free access.

As a result, such passengers currently have to travel on to Colwall, then take another back down to be on the town side of Ledbury station.

Funding for a scheme to address this was refused by the Government in January – to the dismay of local MP Ellie Chowns, who then called a meeting of stakeholders to look at how the proposal could be kept alive.

Local Green councillor Justine Peberdy said that at this, a figure of £10 million was quoted as a “rough, ballpark figure” for a crossing involving lifts on both platforms.

She added that the lack of a full feasibility study or business case for the proposal had counted against it in the Government’s funding decisions, and hoped this could be addressed ahead of future funding opportunities.

“That could be funded by Herefordshire Council, by National Rail, or by local businesses,” she said. “But the studies alone can cost tens of thousands of pounds.”

Local transport campaigner and wheelchair user Cameron Wood wrote to rail minister Lord (Peter) Hendy in January to protest the decision but said he had not yet had a reply – from which he concluded the Government “aren’t interested” in the proposal.

“Even having a feasibility study won’t necessarily change their minds,” he said. “I’m 29 now and nothing has been done on this in my lifetime.”

However, one small victory had come in the form of an undertaking from West Midlands Trains that passengers travelling from Hereford to Ledbury would need to pay for the extra Colwall leg of their journey, Mr Wood added – “though you would still have to explain that to the conductor”.

And he feared “they might use that as an excuse not to improve access at Ledbury”.

Meanwhile, he has looked at whether a ramp could provide a cheaper alternative crossing at the station – but “there isn’t much room”.