SHRUB Hill Station in Worcester is to get a much-needed lift to make its platforms more accessible.

Last year, the Worcester News highlighted the obstacles encountered by wheelchair users and parents with prams or pushchairs.

At the moment, if they want to reach platforms other than the main one, they have to be escorted across the tracks by station staff.

But now the station is in line for £500,000 from the £300m Access for All funding to provide the lift.

The money will also pay for work including installing dual-height handrails on both sides of the staircases and renewing treads and tactile paving on the footbridge and stairs.

This new funding will provide Worcester Shrub Hill station with step-free access, helping thousands of disabled people every day in Worcester use trains more easily to get to work, to access vital services, to travel across the country, and to visit friends and family.

Over the next five years journeys will be opened up across Britain, as upgrades including footbridges and lifts make it easier for disabled people to travel on the UK’s rail network.

The funding will also benefit those with health conditions or older people with impairments, along with people travelling with children, heavy luggage or shopping.

MP Robin Walker says he is delighted that the station will benefit from the funding.

He said: “This is an area I have continually campaigned on during my years as Worcester’s MP, and following many meetings with disabled charities and constituents, I have pressed the case for better accessibility in rail travel. I know from my own experience, when I undertook a blindfolded walk with Guide Dogs UK, the challenges some people face when using public transport.”

“I will be looking to monitor the progress of this work and will continue to campaign for disability rights”.

Transport minister Nusrat Ghani,said: "Everyone should be able to access our rail network and I am pleased to announce that Worcester Shrub Hill Station will now become fully accessible.”