Row Over Disabled Crossing Closure Plan

Disabled rights campaigners are calling for a crossing to be retained at Market Harborough Railway Station until new lifts and a bridge are built next year.

The so-called ‘barrow crossing’ – used to take people in wheelchairs across the tracks to the southbound platform – is set to be removed next month.

The Harborough District Disability Access Group say that would downgrade facilities in the interim and see no reason why.

East Midlands Trains say the move is for safety reasons as there is now disabled access to that platform from the new car park.

A spokesperson, said:  “This is the last remaining barrow crossing on the Midland Main Line, which carries passengers between Sheffield and London at speeds of up to 125mph. They are at track level, outdated and come from a time when, regrettably, the needs of less mobile customers were not taken into account.

“For the first time at Market Harborough, step free access is now available to both platforms and as a result, we intend to close the barrow crossing next month.

“The vast majority of customers who require assistance will arrive or depart the station by using the step free access for their platform. For the small number of customers who wish to cross platforms and need some assistance, we will provide a completely free taxi service.

“This safer and convenient arrangement will be in place until the redevelopment of the station is completed next year and the new footbridge and lifts are installed.”