Earlestown and Garswood: Passengers being let down at train stations

The stations are among two of 21 in the Liverpool City Region affected by the issue, the Labour MP has said.

It means passengers with wheelchairs, prams, or mobility issues have real struggles accessing the services.

In both areas, residents and councillors have long called for funding that could resolve these issues.

The matter has also been highlighted by the Star and our readers.

Mr Baines says the previous Conservative government cancelled local plans to invest in stations including Earlestown.

David Baines MP (Image: Stock)

However, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has confirmed a commitment to make all railway stations across the city region fully accessible by 2030.

But the St Helens MP hopes to see swifter action than this.

Speaking at parliament, Mr Baines used Business Questions to ask for an update on the government's plans.

'It's simply not on'

He said: “Garswood and Earlestown train stations in my constituency are two of 21 in the Liverpool City Region that are currently inaccessible to all passengers.

"This is something that local residents, councillors and the council have campaigned on for many years along with previous MPs and the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram is supportive of fixing this situation.

"Does the Leader of the House agree with me that in this day and age it's simply not on that rail stations are not accessible to all passengers and can she advise me on how and where I might raise this so that we can get the necessary improvements made and made quickly?”

Review of access

In response Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, said : “Well, he's absolutely right. It is shocking really that in this day and age, much of our transport infrastructure and particularly our railways remain inaccessible for those with disabilities and other needs and he's totally right to raise this today.

"He will be aware that the Transport Secretary did make a statement earlier this week about a review of access for all and work that she's doing there and I know she's very keen to keep this house updated on a regular basis as it goes forward”

In a statement, issued to the Star, Mr Baines later added: “Locally and regionally Labour have been fighting to improve access at all our stations for a long time, and it is something many residents rightly feel strongly about.

"It’s great that Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has committed to make sure all stations have step-free access by 2030 but passengers need these improvements as quickly as possible, so I was keen to raise this issue further in the House.

"It is just not acceptable that some passengers are unable to access train services in our communities.”