These are the Southeastern stations across Kent nominated for step-free access funding
14:50, 29 November 2018
updated: 16:10, 29 November 2018
Ten stations across the county are being considered for additional disabled access funding from the government.
Southeastern and Network Rail have together nominated a list of 22 stations across the south east to be considered for a portion of the Government’s £300 million Access for All scheme, during the course of the next five years.
The plan allocates funding for sites which only have footbridges or steps, so that lifts can be built for those living with disabilities to use.
The railway stations in Kent that could be in line for funding are:
- Aylesham
- Deal
- Headcorn
- Herne Bay
- Hildenborough
- High Brooms
- Lenham
- Maidstone West
- Marden
- Swanscombe
In September, a parish councillor in Headcorn who is unable to walk and uses a mobility scooter raised concerns about Headcorn's footbridge.
Cllr Simon Evenden, 55, of Grigg Lane, has regular medical appointments in London and has to be driven to Staplehurst or Ashford to access a train.
He hopes that Headcorn will be awarded some of the funding so that a lift can be built there..
Over 8,000 responses were received by Southeastern during the public consultation asking for nominations.
Southeastern and Network Rail will find out from the government which stations have been successful in their bid in April next year.