Lib Dem councillors John Pugh and Simon Shaw, who represent the Birkdale and Hillside area, have warmly welcomed last Thursday’s announcement that Hillside is one of five Merseyrail stations which will be made accessible within the next few years.
Last Thursday the Department for Transport published a list of 73 stations across the country which will benefit from the ‘Access for All’ Programme. www.gov.uk/government/speeches/access-for-all-73-stations-set-to-benefit-from-additional-funding
Nearly three years ago, local Lib Dems highlighted the issue in a front page story in their Summer 2016 Birkdale FOCUS. Sadly funding was not available at that time.
Councillor Pugh (Dukes Ward, which includes Shoreside Birkdale) said: “Then in July last year Simon and I met with Merseytravel’s Rail Development Manager at Hillside Station. We voiced our concerns and those of residents about the poor access for the disabled, the elderly and parents or carers with very young children.”
Following that, in October, Councillor Shaw (Birkdale Ward) produced a video highlighting the issue. www.facebook.com/johnpughsouthport/videos
Councillor Shaw added: “We are delighted at this news, which we have been campaigning for over a number of years.”
“When I read the announcement I did have concerns about how long it might take to get Hillside Station open to all, as the government statement merely indicates that ‘all work is due to be completed by March 2024’, which is five years off.”
“However I have discussed this with Merseytravel and they hope that Hillside Station will fully accessible by 2022.”
“I have also clarified that half the cost of the project will be met by the Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority.”
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