MONMOUTHSHIRE MP Catherine Fookes has called on Network Rail and the UK Government to urgently prioritise step-free access at Chepstow Train Station.

Despite significant refurbishment works soon taking place at the station, campaigners and residents have highlighted that the station will still lack basic accessibility.

Currently, disabled passengers travelling west towards Newport are forced to first leave Wales to change at an accessible station before returning. Adding time, stress, and unfair barriers to their journeys.

Catherine Fookes MP said: “It is completely unacceptable that disabled residents in Chepstow cannot travel west for their local station without facing such unnecessary obstacles.

“Everyone should have the right to travel independently and with dignity. I will be meeting with Network Rail in September to ensure that Chepstow is prioritised under their Access for All programme, and I will be pressing UK Government Ministers to secure the funding needed for a new accessible bridge at the station.”

Monmouthshire County Council secured a Levelling Up Fund investment for wider improvements to Chepstow Train Station as part of the Chepstow Transport Hub project. The project will deliver upgrades such as better transport connections and safe walking/ cycling routes.

Monmouthshire County Council have been working with both the Welsh Government and UK Government to make an accessible bridge at Chepstow Train Station a reality. However, the responsibility is largely reserved to the UK Government, and Welsh Government Transport Ministers have been raising Chepstow’s case with Network Rail’s Access for all investment programme and the previous UK Government for many years.

Cllr Paul Griffiths, Deputy Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: “The Chepstow Transport Hub will improve transport links, active travel routes, and facilities at the station. While an accessible bridge was not included in the original bid, we are lobbying Network Rail to make this investment.”