Disabled access improving at Cumbria train stations

A government decision to improve disabled access at Penrith Station has been welcomed by a national rail network.

It will be one of 42 stations across the UK to benefit from part of a one hundred million pound investment from the scheme 'Access for All'.

The Cumbrian station is the last on the Virgin Trains network where wheelchair users have to cross the rail track to access other platforms.

Penrith Railway Station is one of 42 stations in England, Scotland and Wales to receive a share of a £100 million investment.

Lifts will be installed improve access for disabled passengers as part of the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme.

It's a decision welcomed by Virgin Trains, who made a joint application with Network Rail to the Department for Transport.

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border, who has long campaigned for improved access at the station, supported the bid.

Hannah McNulty was at Carlisle Train Station today for the opening of the new access facilities.

She spoke to a disabled rights campaigner to find out how much of a difference it will make.

New access to platforms at Carlisle Railway Station for people with mobility issues, luggage and prams, was officially opened by the city's Mayor this morning.

The money for the improvements has come from the Department for Transport.

Ben Herbert from Network Rail explains the importance of step-free access:

£1.8 million access improvements at Carlisle Railway Station are officially opened.

A disused subway has been brought back into use thanks to two new lifts.

Around two million people use Carlisle train station every year and now everyone should have better access around the station.

The scheme has been funded by the Department for Transport.

1.8 million pounds has been spent improving access to platforms at Carlisle Railway Station.

Step-free access has been brought in after Network Rail refurbished a disused subway which is links platforms thanks to two new lifts.

The scheme has been funded by the Department for Transport.