The campaign to secure proper access to Platform 2 of Wymondham Station has been one I have been actively involved in for a number of years.
That’s why I share growing local frustrations once again at the length of time it is taking for improvements to be made.
It is simply unacceptable that, after so many years, platform 2 remains inaccessible for many – particularly the disabled and those in wheelchairs, but also those pushing wheelchairs or even just trying to take a bike.
The endless foot-dragging of Network Rail and others needs to stop. This situation needs resolving FAST. There cannot be any more delay. Especially when, as part of the Greater Norwich bid to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, there is £600,000 committed for such improvement works.
That’s why I am working closely with the brilliant team at South Norfolk Council, why I am pressing Network Rail and others hard for an urgent update and why I am prepared to raise this issue with Ministers and convene an urgent meeting if necessary to try and unlock this latest “log-jam”.
To see more on my work on this issue, please see below.
Wymondham Station Access Campaign
With a proper plan for Wymondham Station, this wonderfully historic site could be transformed into a stunning gateway for tourists and residents, as well as for companies and investors on their way to the nearby Research Park, but who don’t want to travel all the way to Norwich Station and then fight their way through the city’s terrible traffic.
Proper access for ALL to both platforms of Wymondham Station MUST be an early step in that process however and that’s why, back in 2018, I helped re-energise the campaign to finally address the access issues around Platform 2. It is simply unacceptable that, after so many years, platform 2 remains inaccessible for many – particularly the disabled and those in wheelchairs, but also those pushing wheelchairs or even just trying to take a bike.
The announcement last year that finally, as part of the successful Greater Norwich bid to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, £600,000 had been committed to making Platform 2 step-free was an incredibly positive one. However, I am acutely aware that, just over a year on, many remain anxious for some news about how things are coming along – understandably frustrated that progress continues to be slow.
That’s why I have recently spoken to Greater Anglia, who are responsible for Wymondham Station itself, who have reaffirmed their recognition that step-free access to Platform 2 is an urgent priority. Currently, they are in the process of completing the necessary delivery studies that will inform the planning application that will then follow. I’m told the delivery studies will be completed in the spring.
I remain committed to seeing this one get over the line – and as rapidly as possible. As soon as I have further news, I will of course post updates here.
To find out some more about the work I have done on this issue, please see some of my previous webstories linked below:
Speaking up for improvements in disabled access at our stations - 3rd July 2013
Wymondham Train Station Access - 24th March 2016
Wymondham Station Access - 12th February 2018
Wymondham Station Access - 1st May 2018
Wymondham Station Access Taskforce - 18th February 2019