Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex and her Sussex colleague, Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, both supported a joint bid by Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR) made last year for ‘Access to All’ funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The ‘Access For All Scheme’ was launched in 2006 to address the issues faced by disabled passengers and passengers facing mobility restraints (such as heavy luggage or pushchairs) when using railway stations in Great Britain.
Network Rail and GTR submitted a bid for funding to build a footbridge with two lifts at Wivelsfield station, which would provide step free access to and between both platforms, utilising the existing ramp access from the car park at the end of Gordon Road.
Network Rail have advised they are pushing ahead with the design work for the scheme at Wivelsfield, which is currently in its final stage. The design work is expected to be completed this autumn. After completing design, Network Rail will seek planning consent and would subsequently move on to the construction stage of the project.
The delivery of the scheme at Wivelsfield is subject to their bid for ‘Access for All’ funding being successful. A funding announcement from DfT is expected in due course and Mims will continue to work jointly with Maria Caulfield to help get this project over the line.