Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has won a promise from Sir Keir Starmer that he will have a meeting with the government’s rail minister to discuss making the town’s Manchester Road station fully accessible.
The Labour backbencher raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
Mr Ryan told Sir Keir: “Burnley Manchester Road station is a key driver of growth.
“It is Burnley’s link to Manchester and Leeds and, more importantly for them, it is their link to Burnley.
“There were more than half a million journeys from the station last year, and yet it is inaccessible.
“Despite big, empty promises from the last Tory Government, we are no closer to fixing that.
“A promise of funding was made, but it never came.
“Will you help me to get this delivered and back my campaign to make Burnley Manchester Road an accessible, modern station, fit for Burnley’s ambitions?”
Sir Keir replied: “You are a great champion on this issue and I will ensure that you get a meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss the detail.
“The previous government took the decision not to shortlist Burnley Manchester Road station for accessibility improvements.
“We are giving Lancashire Combined County Authority £641million, with the freedom to invest in its priorities, including better accessibility.
“That is what a Labour Government represent: empowering local people to make the best decisions for their local area.”
After the exchange in Parliament Mr Ryan said: “Funding had been promised by the previous government to deliver long-overdue accessibility improvements, including a new footbridge and lifts, but the funding didn’t materialise.
“Leaving passengers to contend with a 300 metre-plus diversion and a steep, challenging slope.
“It creates barriers to travel for many residents, particularly those with mobility issues, parents with prams, and older passengers.
“I’m meeting the minister Lord Peter Hendy soon to keep pushing this.
“Our railway station is a vital gateway to our town, but right now it simply isn’t fit for purpose.
“If we are serious about Burnley keeping up with the modern world, we must make it accessible to everyone.
“I was extremely disappointed to learn this was promised years ago without the funding actually allocated.
“I took this issue directly to the Prime Minister – now it’s time for action.
“Let’s make Burnley Manchester Road accessible.”
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