Earlier today the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) team met with Network Rail, Richard Fuller MP, town and district Councillors and Govia Thameslink Railway to discuss the latest on the step-free project and the transport hub. The previous meeting took place on 3rd February and you can read a summary of that meeting here: https://julianvaughan.blog/2023/02/05/step-free-project-hits-the-buffers/ … Continue reading Biggleswade Station Update – 15th May
Tag: accessibility
Step-free project hits the buffers
Since we first started campaigning for step-free access at Biggleswade station I have sat in numerous meetings to discuss the many issues that have needed to be resolved. Without a doubt, Friday's meeting with Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Richard Fuller MP and Central Bedfordshire Council was the most disappointing meeting I have attended to … Continue reading Step-free project hits the buffers
Biggleswade Station Update – 16th November 2022
Yesterday afternoon, representatives from Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) met with Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Richard Fuller MP and Biggleswade Town Council officers to discuss the progress towards step-free access at the station and the long-awaited toilet facilities. The main points discussed at today's meeting are set out below. If you have any … Continue reading Biggleswade Station Update – 16th November 2022
Biggleswade station update – 15th July
This afternoon, representatives from Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN), Network Rail, GTR, Richard Fuller MP and Central Bedfordshire and Biggleswade Town Council officials met to discuss progress on step-free access at the station, as well as the transport interchange and proposed new toilet facilities. The good Since the previous meeting, another hurdle has been overcome … Continue reading Biggleswade station update – 15th July
Biggleswade Station Update – 9th May
This morning representatives from Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Central Bedfordshire Council, Biggleswade Town Council, Bedfordshire Rail Access Network and Richard Fuller MP met to discuss the latest progress on step-free access at Biggleswade station. We also discussed the progress of the Transport Hub, which when completed will provide a seamless link between bus and … Continue reading Biggleswade Station Update – 9th May
When will Labour stand up for a step-free railway?
Blaming the Victorians for a large percentage of our rail network being inaccessible to a significant proportion of the UK public is wearing very thin after 150 years. While some progress has been made since 'Access for All' funding for step-free stations was introduced by Gordon Brown's Labour government in 2006, thousands of platforms across … Continue reading When will Labour stand up for a step-free railway?
Rail accessibility campaigners respond to local MP querying the need for a ‘Head of Inclusion’ for East West Rail
The Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) campaign group formed in 2017. Its aim is to improve accessibility across the Bedfordshire rail network, as well as ensuring that disabled people are involved at every stage of the improvement process. BRAN worked with other stakeholders to ensure a successful campaign for step-free access at Biggleswade station, due … Continue reading Rail accessibility campaigners respond to local MP querying the need for a ‘Head of Inclusion’ for East West Rail
Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
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?
It’s time for a step-free Leagrave!
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!
Disability campaigners respond to Biggleswade transport hub plans
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
Julian Vaughan 