Staff 'not trained' for station disability ramps

1 hour ago

Alec Blackmanin Coventry

News image — Bob Brooker was testing the journey from Coventry to Warwick via Leamington because he was planning to visit the Warwick Folk Festival

Bob Brooker Bob is wearing a blue-and-white hooped top over dark blue shorts. He has white hair and a beard, and is sitting on his mobility scooter, which is red with a black wire basket on the front. He is in his garden with a green hedge behind him. — Bob Brooker was testing the journey from Coventry to Warwick via Leamington because he was planning to visit the Warwick Folk Festival

A disabled man has claimed staff at Warwick railway station told him they could not put him on a train to Leamington, because they were not trained in the use of the loading ramps.

Bob Brooker, 75, from Coventry, got to Warwick via Leamington without a problem, but the issue arose on the return leg.

He said he was also told the southbound platform was "at the wrong angle" to allow his mobility scooter to back on to the train.

Chiltern Railways said the ramps were new and undergoing testing before staff completed training.

"You've got the most ridiculous and pathetic situation. I am quite sure Chiltern Railways, by allowing this, are contrary to the law", the passenger said.

Chiltern Railways The exterior of Warwick railway station. It is a low, red brick building with a double door entrance in the middle of the shot. to the left of the main doors is a set of stairs leading to the subway connecting the north and southbound platforms. — Warwick station has received a major upgrade, with two new lifts giving better access to both platforms

Brooker has used a mobility scooter for the last four years because of problems walking following an industrial accident in 2000.

"I waited on platform two and positioned myself near the disabled door, marked on the train. The train manager got off, made a phone call and then came to me and said: I'm sorry, I can't get you on the train, because the platform is at the wrong angle to get you on the train."

Brooker, a folk musician and songwriter, said the solution the train manager came up with was just as bizarre.

"He said you have to go across to platform one, contact the staff and they'll maybe get you a taxi to take you back to Leamington."

He pointed out the ramps nearby, only to be told about the training issue.

'Not trained'

Network Rail improved access at Warwick station by installing two new passenger lifts to platforms and upgrading the subway, with work completed in October 2025.

The musician said the best option staff could offer was for him to take a train north to Warwick Parkway, get loaded on a southbound service and then return to Leamington.

"It makes me feel extremely angry and extremely frustrated, because the staff from Coventry to Leamington are very helpful. I had no problem getting off on the northbound platform at Warwick, but platform two, horrendous."

Brooker said he had emailed Chiltern Railways about the incident, but said he had not had a reply.

In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for Chiltern Railways said: "We apologise for the experience that the customer had when travelling through Warwick Station.

"We have recently purchased bespoke ramps which will enable ramp assists on platform two. Our staff receive training on assisting customers and will soon begin training on the new ramps which are currently going through testing.

"Our staff should advise customers of alternative options and often arrange taxis for customers in need of passenger assistance who are unable to board a train."

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