Volunteers delighted with funding for new bridge

Volunteers that look after a train station in Shropshire have welcomed new funding to build a footbridge at their station.

The Friends of Wellington Station group has been campaigning on the issue for close to a decade and said it will "make such a difference to so many people."

According to volunteers the current arrangements have forced some people to look for alternative routes that are not clearly signposted.

The cost of building the new bridge connecting Wellington train station to the bus station is £700,000, and plans include two new lifts.

Kath Howard is a member of the group and said that accessibility issues have caused some passengers to use taxis to get from one side of the station to the other.

"I think it's absolutely brilliant. It has been a long time but [the bridge is] absolutely essential," added Howard.

"Some people simply could not manage with the normal footbridge, whether that is a wheelchair or luggage.

"The only way was either a lengthy trek through the town, which is not signposted, or up a fairly uncelebrious set of stone steps which a lot of people would not be able to manage."

The upgrade will be funded by the Department for Transport's Access for All programme and Telford and Wrekin Council.

Lee Carter is the Leader of the authority and said he is happy the "long overdue" work can finally begin.

"These improvements will remove barriers that currently make Wellington station difficult to use for some passengers and will make it much easier to move between bus and rail," Carter said.

"This has been a long time coming, and we're pleased to be playing our part in making Wellington better connected and easier for everyone to get around.

"There is a lot of investment going into Wellington and this is another important improvement for the town. We're looking forward to seeing the work get underway and the difference it will make for our Borough."

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