'Why was Headcorn Station refused disabled access funding?' Asks MP Helen Whately
Published: 15:25, 21 May 2019
Updated: 15:26, 21 May 2019
An MP has demanded answers over the lack of disabled access funding in Headcorn.
Headcorn Station was one of six west Kent stations to miss out on step-free acess funding in April, despite heavy campaigning around the town.
Helen Whately has now asked the government to explain why the station was neglected by the Department for Transport.
The Faversham and Mid Kent MP said: "Disabled passengers, parents with buggies – anyone who can’t use stairs – can’t get onto the London-bound platform at Headcorn.
"Some people are going in the wrong direction as far as Ashford to get to a station with a lift.
"It’s a busy station and there’s lots of people calling for disabled access, but unfortunately the bid for funding was not successful.
"I want to know why.
"I’ve written to the Transport Minister to demand an explanation, and I’ve asked what we can do to make sure Headcorn is included in the next round of funding. It’s time for a fairer deal for passengers at Headcorn.”
The Department for Transport is yet to reply to Mrs Whately's letter.
It previously stated the 73 stations chosen for Access for All funding were "picked on a range of criteria, including footfall weighted by disability in the area, value for money and factors such as proximity to a hospital.
"The stations were also chosen to represent a fair geographical spread across the country."
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Luke May