AN MP is supporting accessibility improvements for two South Cumbria railway stations.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the Transport Secretary in support of two applications for the Access for All Scheme.

The scheme is designed to supply obstacle free, accessible routes into train stations across the country. Two bids within South Lakeland have been submitted; for Oxenholme station and Ulverston.  

Oxenholme is currently the only station along the West Coast Main Line without step free access. As the main gateway to the Lake District and the surrounding areas, with direct links to cities such as Manchester, London, and Glasgow it is the busiest station in the Lakes.

Passengers are currently being forced to ascend a non-compliant ramp, which poses great challenges to wheelchair users, those with mobility issues, and parents using pushchairs, Mr Farron said.

New research shows that 85 per cent of visitors to the Lake District are now arriving via private transport. A figure which could be reduced if Oxenholme were made suitably accessible, Mr Farron has said. The bid would mean that lifts and a footbridge could be built at the station.  

Platform 3 at Ulverston station is only accessible via steps. For those unable to use steps they must use the barrow crossing, a service that must be booked in advance with a member of staff always accompanying them.

Separately, Mr Farron is working with the Government, Network Rail and train operators to make Staveley station accessible. At present, the only way to get to the station is via a 41-step staircase making it completely inaccessible to anyone with mobility difficulties or with a pushchair.

Mr Farron said: “As a World Heritage site, and one of the most visited places in the UK, the Lake District must improve its accessibility at stations. The situation we have at two of our busiest stations in South Lakeland is unacceptable. Everyone should be free to travel and experience the beauty of places the Lakes which is why I am fully supportive of these two bids to the Access for All funding.”