This morning, the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) team, along with Network Rail and the contractors, visited Biggleswade station to inspect and identify any potential issues with the new ramp and lifts. Of course, the first question on everyone's lips was when the lifts would enter public service, and we were told that this would … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update 28.11.25.
This blog describes my planning before the walk and the walk itself, which took place over 5 days in late September 2025 and will hopefully provide some useful hints for future walkers. The blogs I read before the walk about other people's experiences were invaluable. Why I did the Walk Although I was raised in … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Walk
The glacial progress of the 'Access for All' scheme means that at the current rate of progress, the UK rail network won't be accessible for around 100 years. This highlights the culture within government and the rail industry, which views accessibility as a favour rather than a fundamental right. Listen to any politician or rail … Continue reading The Future for Rail Accessibility
I have just come out of a fairly short meeting with Network Rail to discuss the latest progress towards a step-free Biggleswade station. Thankfully It was a short meeting due to no major issues being reported. One previous area of concern was the ground conditions in the area where the lifts are to be located. … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update 17.03.25
In what is the 16th update I have posted regarding the provision of step-free access at Biggleswade railway station, I'm cautiously optimistic that at long last the town will have a station accessible to all, perhaps by the end of this year. In my last update, posted on 25th November, I mentioned there were two … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update – 14.01.25.
This afternoon we met with Network Rail to discuss the latest news on the scheme to install lifts at Biggleswade station. This project, awarded funding in 2019, has been subject to many frustrating delays, with costs escalating and the completion date slipping ever backward. My last update on 7th September was unable to provide any … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update – 25.11.24
One hundred and eighty-nine years on from when the station first opened, it is time that Hexham railway station was accessible to everyone. We cannot keep blaming the Victorians for our inaccessible rail network, and with Hexham station being one of the busiest on the Tyne Valley line, we believe that it's time for lifts … Continue reading ‘Lifts for Hexham station’ Q & A
Today, Wednesday 24th July, we met once again with Network Rail and local stakeholders including local Councillors and local MP, Richard Fuller. You can read my previous update from our last meeting in May, which announced a further delay here: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/05/09/lifts-at-biggleswade-delayed-until-summer-2025/ At the last meeting, we were told that a new quote from the contractor … Continue reading ‘Access for All’ Biggleswade – July 2024 Update
On 24th May the Department for Transport announced the railway stations set to benefit from the latest round of 'Access for All' (AfA) funding for Control Period 7 which runs from 2024-2029. Having been part of the campaign group, I was delighted to see Leagrave station on the list. However, the £350 million allocated for … Continue reading Can we afford not to have an accessible railway?
As a campaigner for rail accessibility, a train driver and a proud member of the ASLEF union, I am delighted that yesterday ASLEF adopted the motion which I wrote for debate at ASLEF's Annual Assembly of Delegates (AAD), which means that supporting improved rail accessibility on the UK rail network is now official ASLEF policy. … Continue reading ASLEF union backs UK rail accessibility!
Julian Vaughan 