Combined Authority backing bid to improve disabled access at Pontefract's Monkhill station
"Inclusive transport is a subject that is close to my heart," says Transport Chair Cllr Kim Groves
The Combined Authority is bidding £1 million from the Department for Transport's Access for All funding potto fund measures to improve accessibility at Pontefract's Monkhill rail station. Wakefield Council will contribute £1.2 million for the work if the bid is successful.
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: "Inclusive transport is a subject that is close to my heart and I have written to the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to tell him I think the government's 'Inclusive Transport Strategy' should be more ambitious.
"Too many West Yorkshire stations still lack the facilities to cater for people with reduced mobility, which is why we are working with Wakefield Council on these plans for Pontefract Monkhill."
Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: "Currently, Monkhill Station is extremely difficult for our disabled residents to access, with many having to travel to Castleford to get a train. This is simply not good enough in 2019.
"This funding and our £1.2million contribution would enable a lift to be added to the existing footbridge, which will be refurbished, allowing much easier access. We hope the bid is successful and that we can help improve the lives of our disabled residents and visitors."
The announcement of successful bids is expected in Spring 2020.