Groups look at step-free access at Hexham Railway Station

Julian Vaughan, a campaigner who attended school in Hexham, is passionate that there must be step-free access at railway stations, ensuring that rail travel is available to everyone.

Reviews undertaken by the partnership previously highlighted the 'limited provision' of easily accessible platforms and the need for improvements at many stations along the Tyne Valley Railway.

Hexham has one of the highest footfalls of passengers along the route; passengers unable to use the footbridge must negotiate a long walk with narrow pavements alongside some of the 'busiest' roads in the town.

Passengers unable to use the footbridge must take an alternative route (Image: Supplied) During the review, the partnership identified a possible location for lifts and the need for their design to be complementary to the existing historic station buildings.

Such a scheme would require capital investment and support from the Treasury, the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and train operator, Northern.

The chair of the partnership, Malcolm Chainey, said: "Julian was able to provide us with useful information to enable us to consider how we formulate a plan to pursue a step-free solution at railway stations along the Tyne Valley Railway.

"We are keen to work with the user group, other organisations and individuals to collate evidence and campaign to find a solution to the issues faced by passengers to Hexham Railway Station."

Patrick Rice, chair of the Tyne Valley Line Rail Users Group, said: "Improved access to platforms at Hexham is a priority.

"We realise there is no quick fix, but all organisations must work together to campaign to find a solution at Hexham and other stations along the route."

Going forward, the partnership and user group will work together to pursue improvements to improve access for all passengers to trains along the Tyne Valley Railway corridor.