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News Report Page 6 of 18
Publication Date:-
2020-10-18
 
News reports located on this page = 2.

Southport rail campaigners upset by Councillors trying to claim credit disabled access at local Railway Station

SOUTHPORT rail campaigners who have secured vital disabled access at 1 of the Town's Railway Stations say they are astonished to see local Lib Deb councillors trying to claim credit for the scheme.

IN 2019, Hillside Train Station, in Southport, received funding for new disabled access through the 6th round of the Access for All scheme, which was set up by the Department of Transport. It followed intense lobbying by Southport Conservative MP Damien Moore and local Conservative campaigners including Dukes Ward Conservative councillor Sir Ron Watson. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in April 2019, then Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated Damien Moore and the other activists for securing the funding for the scheme.

Now Southport rail campaigners are saying that Birkdale Liberal Democrat Councillors are now trying to claim credit for the initiative with a story in their latest Birkdale Focus leaflet saying they have told Merseytravel of residents' concerns in the:- "long running campaign to make Hillside Station fully accessible."

Southport Conservative MP Damien Moore said:- "We have worked hard to make these changes happen at Hillside Railway Station. We were determined to secure this vital allocation of funds in order for Hillside to finally become accessible for disabled and elderly people, before making the case for all Stations across the United Kingdom to be accessible. At times Hillside is an extremely busy Station, as the nearest facility to both Greenbank High School and Birkdale High School. It is also the nearest train Station to a number of golf courses including Royal Birkdale, which hosts the Open Golf championships that attract visitors from all over the world to Southport and bring millions of pounds into our local economy. Having a fully accessible Railway Station is vital for so many reasons. Let's not forget that John Pugh was MP for Southport for 16 years, from 2001 until I first won my seat, in 2017. He had many opportunities to lobby for changes at Hillside when he was MP, but failed to do so. Now his colleagues are trying to claim credit for the work which we have achieved."

Dukes Ward Conservative councillor Sir Ron Watson said:- "I identified the real difficulty that people with disabilities have at Hillside Station and where essentially the Station cannot be used by those with mobility issues and indeed other forms of disability. I raised this with the appropriate rail authorities, but at the time they advised that whilst additional funding had been made available for some Stations Hillside was not included. I thought the matter to be of such importance that I contacted Southport's Conservative MP, Damien Moore, who pulled out all the stops to have this raised with Ministers and I was delighted that they in turn were persuaded to increase the allocations and that finance would now be made available for Hillside. This is 1 example of how co-operation between local councillors and our MP can bring about positive results and where the involvement of other political parties for their own narrow self interest and promotion do them no credit and it is little wonder that the public view such behaviour with such scepticism. At the end of the day what matters is that those categories of people who I am troubled about and want to help are going to receive the assistance they need."

Southport Conservative Dukes Ward campaigner Michael Prendergast said:- "'The issue of disabled access at Hillside Station is one that affects many residents in Dukes Ward and those visiting the area. Our local MP, Damien Moore and Dukes Ward Councillor, Sir Ron Watson CBE, have worked hard to secure the funding for this important piece of infrastructure that will help improve the lives of many people. The issue of disability access is crucial for our ward to ensure that all residents have access to the services they need."

We are emailing the Liberal Democrat Councillors for a comment this week to hear their side of this report.


Captain Sir Tom Moore presented with 1st Veterans' Railcard

Captain Sir Tom Moore presented with the very 1st new Veterans' Railcard, as new design unveiled...

MILITARY veterans of every generation will soon benefit from cut price rail travel, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today, as he presented Captain Sir Tom Moore with the very 1st Veteran Railcard. Aimed at supporting veterans' post service, the newly unveiled Railcard will provide up to a 3rd off all peak and off peak fares, as well as discounted travel for adult companions and children. It forms part of the Government 's commitment to make this country the best place to be a veteran, helping repay the debt we all owe to those who have served. At his home in Bedfordshire Captain Tom Moore, who served in World War II and won the nation's hearts with his incredible fundraising efforts, was presented with the very 1st card. The card pays tribute to the Royal Navy, RAF and Army, using the colours featured on the Veterans flag. An estimated 830,000 veterans, who are not eligible for existing railcards, will now be able to get up to a third off rail travel from 5 November 2020. The new card will be on sale at an introductory price of just ₤21 until 31 March 2021.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said:- "We have an eternal debt of honour to those who have served our country, and this railcard is part of marking our gratitude. For veterans looking to re-enter the world of work and connect with friends and family, it will cut the cost of travel to open up new opportunities. Delivering this Manifesto promise will improve lives for veterans and their families across the United Kingdom. I am also delighted to present Sir Captain Tom Moore with the very first railcard. Through his service and his inspirational fundraising, he has shown the selflessness and indomitable spirit of all those who have served."

Captain Sir Tom Moore, Captain Tom Foundation, said:- "This is a wonderful occasion to accept the 1st Veterans rail card. It is a rare opportunity to show thanks and gratitude to Veterans and this rail card is a necessary recognition and investment in Veterans, giving them the ability to re-connect and combat loneliness, something that we promote and support at The Captain Tom Foundation."

The Rail Minister, Chris Heaton Harris also visited the Building Heroes centre in Wandsworth, to meet with veterans undergoing a 6-week training course in building and construction. Targeted at teaching veterans' new skills and tackling unemployment by delivering a seamless transition into a career in the construction industry, Mr Heaton Harris discussed how the railcard would support re-entering civilian life after service.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:- "Providing discounted rail travel is a fantastic way to underline the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served. For younger veterans, it will also help boost employment prospects, allowing more flexibility in their travel to work or job interviews."

Charles Byrne, Director General of The Royal British Legion said:- "Every day our Armed Forces community provide an incredible service in so many ways and it's right their unique contribution is recognised. We welcome the introduction of measures such as the new Veterans Rail Card that will allow veterans and their families to enjoy discounted rail fares. At a time when many veterans are facing significant financial hardship, we hope as many as possible will be able to enjoy the benefits this card will bring when travelling by train."

Help for Heroes CEO, Melanie Waters said:- "We are pleased that the Government will make good on its promise to introduce a railcard for veterans and extend discounted train travel to former service personnel in England. The pandemic is having a lasting impact on veterans and their families both financially and socially, and its introduction will come at a welcome time."

 
      
 
   
 
 
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