New Assisted Travel Support team launches to help rail passengers on their journeys

TRAIN operator Northern has launched a new service to provide information and guidance for anyone who needs a helping hand when travelling by train.

Available through WhatsApp, on:- 07779914800, from:- 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week, the dedicated travel support team is on hand to assist customers with everything from journey planning and disruption updates, to resolving issues with pre-booked assistance.

The service will be run by a brand new team; many of whom have lived experience of travelling with disabilities.

Open to anybody who needs help, the team will be able to help with a wide range of queries, and are able to provide realtime assistance to help resolve any unexpected situations.

Northern's Assisted Travel Support team can help with:-

Passenger assistance: booking support before travel, and explaining what to expect at each stage of the journey.
Disruption alerts: changes which affect planned journeys, such as train cancellations or station faults.
Help during the journey: locating assistance at stations or on board trains.
Complaints and feedback: investigating, sharing feedback and offering resolutions.

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at Northern said:- "We are on a misson to ensure our railway is accessible and as easy to use as possible. Through our commitment to continually innovate, and to listen to what our customers want, we are doing all we can to take the stress out of travelling by train by offering help at every step of the way. Our new Assisted Travel Support team are really excited to get started and their main purpose is to ensure all customers feel confident and feel supported during their journey. Whether you have a disability, feel anxious, or simply need some help or advice, our new team and this new service is here for anybody who needs it."

The launch of the new service follows a trial of new priority seating areas onboard trains with clearer markings for customers who need them, and another trial in Lancashire which aims to bring confidence to older and disabled people by allowing them to alert the conductor on board in advance where they need assistance. The service has been developed and tested in partnership with Northern's Accessibility User Group (NAUG).

Customers without a smartphone can access the Assisted Travel Service by calling:- 08001385560.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Hospitality and caf� culture boosted thanks to new outdoor seating policy

A new outdoor seating policy supporting Hospitality businesses throughout the City has been launched by Liverpool City Council.

The policy will help establishments create vibrant outdoor spaces with lively, welcoming caf� culture hubs; while ensuring public spaces remain:- safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

The new policy introduces clear and flexible guidelines for obtaining a pavement licence, in line with:- road safety, public access, and the requirements of the:- 'Business and Planning Act 2020.'

As part of the licensing for outdoor furniture, rules ensure that footpaths and public areas remain clear to allow for safe and unhindered pedestrian movement.

The policy works hand in hand with the:- 'Business and Planning Act 2020' striking a good balance between:- outdoor business activity and public access.

LCC have put together an easy to follow guide to help you apply for a pavement licence. That means businesses will know exactly what's expected and how to meet LCC's requirements.

The policy is designed to work for different types of businesses with conditions tailored to local needs.

If something's not right; like furniture being set up without a licence; there's a clear process for handling it. A well defined enforcement process is in place to address non-compliance.

This forward thinking initiative follows significant progress in recent times, with approximately 200 pavement licences issued over the past 12 months.

It's simple for businesses to apply online, and Liverpool City Council have made our fees and processing times as transparent as possible. For more info, check out the pavement licence page at the Liverpool City Council website.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "The new policy is all about supporting our local bars, caf�s and restaurants to create fun, vibrant spaces around the City, while keeping public areas safe, open, and accessible for everyone. This policy not only protects the rights of our pedestrians, but also supports local businesses in contributing to a dynamic and sustainable urban environment."

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New Assisted Travel Support team launches to help rail passengers on their journeys

Hospitality and caf� culture boosted thanks to new outdoor seating policy