You would imagine in this day and age that all of our railway stations would be set up to allow those with reduced mobility to access them and every platform, but sadly this isn’t always the case, as highlighted at Ruabon Station.

Campaigners are calling for funding to install step-free access to its north-bound platform, which is currently only accessible via a footbridge with over 50 steps.

Wrexham.com revealed that Ruabon is the only station on the line that doesn’t currently provide step-free access to passengers, and at present this means anyone who is in a wheelchair or unable to navigate stairs, in addition to families who may have pushchairs, is unable to reach the north-bound platform for trains travelling in the direction of Chester.

The publication also noted that the station was unsuccessful in its bid to secure funding to provide step-free access from the UK government.

Speaking to the news provider, councillor David Bithell, lead member for place, environment and transport and chair of Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership, said that they were encouraged to hear that Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has secured a meeting with the government’s transport minister to discuss the issue.

“We documented the issues at this station as far back as 2006 and have been supporting bids to have the access addressed for some time,” councillor Bithell said. 

If funding is secured, this could enable the station to install passenger lifts, thereby providing the necessary step-free access. 

It seems that this is far from the only railway station to be facing this kind of issue, however. Research released last year by the House of Commons Library revealed that just 61 per cent of railway stations in Great Britain provide step-free access.