The government's Levelling Up Fund prospectus published in March 2021 sets out how the Department for Transport (DfT), the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Treasury will invest £4.8 billion in 'high value infrastructure'. The foreword by Rishi Sunak states how this funding will remove the silos between departments allowing local authorities … Continue reading Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
Since 'Access for All' funding for accessibility improvements to the UK rail network was introduced in 2006, around 200 stations have been made step-free. However, much of the UK rail network remains a no-go area for disabled people. Leagrave station in Luton, Bedfordshire is one of the busiest stations in the UK that is still … Continue reading It’s time for a step-free Leagrave!
Below is Bedfordshire Rail Access Network's written response following a meeting with Central Bedfordshire Council regarding the current plans for the bus station, which will form part of the Biggleswade transport interchange. You can find the full details of the plans here: Case Documents - Central Bedfordshire Council The documents take a little time to … Continue reading Disability campaigners respond to Biggleswade transport hub plans
The last year has been a significant challenge to all of us as the pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of our lives. It has brought out both the best and worst in people, as we have seen communities working together to ensure no-one is left behind, at the same time as cronyism and a … Continue reading Stepping aside but gearing up
Like much of government policy these days, most of the budget was leaked out to the press well before the Chancellor stood up in the House of Commons to deliver his hour long speech setting out his tax and spending plans for the next few years. Sunak has a slick operation, ably assisted by a … Continue reading Rishi dishes out cold cuts in budget
*** Update 5th March 2021 *** Following the publication of this blog Northern have been in touch and have now amended the descriptions of the stations mentioned below. However, a brief look at other stations across the Northern franchise reveals numerous examples of inaccurate information and there remains much to be done across this and … Continue reading How the rail industry’s access map lost its way – and how to get it back on track
The current pandemic has presented numerous challenges at a local, national and global level. Whatever you think about the government's actions in relation to the virus, it has been heartening to see how communities have pulled together and looked out for one another. However, with climate change an even larger crisis looms, and as well … Continue reading Central Beds Council – on the right track to net zero carbon?
NE Bedfordshire commuters are getting a rough deal as the Department for Transport has failed to react to the radical changes to travel behaviours caused by the pandemic. Below is my email to Richard Fuller MP on how commuters in his constituency are missing out. "As you will be aware the nature of work has … Continue reading It’s time for flexible ticketing
I've just come out of the latest meeting regarding step-free access at Biggleswade station. The latest developments are as follows: ~ following a previous meeting with our Bedfordshire Rail Access Network team I'm delighted to say that Network Rail have increased the width of the proposed walkway ramp to 2.2 metres (2 metres between hand … Continue reading Biggleswade Step-Free Update – 18th January 2021
It may appear a little dramatic to say that our democracy is under threat. However, if we look at how the UK is run, who holds the power and how that power is checked, I believe there are reasonable grounds on which to be very concerned indeed. Like many others I am guilty of exceptionalism … Continue reading Is it all over for our UK democracy?
