New lift and ramps for Biggleswade train station to open before Christmas

The new lifts were delivered as part of the UK Government's Access for All scheme with Network Rail planning to hold an offiial opening event early in the new year.

The funding for a lift at Biggleswade station was announced in April 2019, and at one stage, was due to be installed in 2022 following the launch of campaign started in 2018 with a petition signed by more 11,000 people.

Julian Vaughan, chairman of Bedfordshire Rail Access Network, said: “So, at last, some festive cheer for the long-suffering residents of Biggleswade and the surrounding villages, for whom the station has been a no-go area for many years.

“The opening of the lifts will transform the lives of many people across Biggleswade and the surrounding villages, but projects like this shouldn’t take over six years to complete”.

"Biggleswade will at long last have the station it deserves, which will not just benefit wheelchair users, but also those with reduced mobility and parents with young children.”

A staff presence at the station from the first train until the last has been confirmed when the lifts come into service, along with a mobile assistance team which will be based at Biggleswade.

“After working on the campaign for lifts at the station for the last eight years, a campaign that has faced many challenges and delays, it is actually quite hard to believe that we are just about over the line. No one can say we only go for the quick wins”, Mr Vaughan added.

He explained Network Rail had agreed to increase the width of the ramp leading to the new bridge, following feedback from the group. The width of the new stairs were also increased with confirmation that there were no plans to close the current stairs.

Network Rail will also be looking into other issues raised, including signage and the tactile flooring on the approach to the new stairs and lack of handrails on the bridge section.

The lifts are as per the original specification – a 16-person lift through lift, meaning that when you enter the lift from one side, you will be exiting the lift to the other side, avoiding any need to swing wheelchairs around.