Pleading passengers desperate for step-free access to be put in place at one of the least accessible train stations in Scotland may have to wait another decade before improvements are made, rail bosses have confirmed.
Network Rail has revealed Insch station in Aberdeenshire will not be considered for funding until at least 2029 to resolve accessibility issues, with the potential of a decision not being made until 2034.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross and Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett described the announcement as “shameful”.
It comes as passengers with disabilities, mobility issues or have prams or bikes, are often forced to travel 10 miles to Inverurie because there is no step-free access on one of Insch’s two platforms.
A petition launched by Ms Cross earlier this month is already gathering momentum from the community.
She has also called for a lift to be installed without delay on the footbridge that goes over the track if step-free access can’t be put in place.
Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan Harriet Cross said: “It is very frustrating that Network Rail continues to neglect this important issue, which is turning people away from using Insch railway station.
“Ensuring stations like Insch are accessible to all should be at the heart of Network Rail’s objections to fix Aberdeenshire’s broken rail system.
“A rail system which excludes vulnerable and less mobile users is not a system any of us can be proud of.
“I find it shameful that Network Rail seem content to leave Insch without step-free access for what they say could be another nine years.
“The community support for my petition speaks volumes. Our voices must be heard, and we will continue to push Network Rail to bring Insch up to the same standard as every other station in the North East.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, added: “Having step-free access at Insch railway station shouldn’t be a luxury – it is a necessity.
“This is more than just an inconvenience. It creates an intolerable barrier to disabled passengers, parents with children, and groups such as the elderly with mobility issues.
“I echo Harriet’s frustration at Network Rail’s response and together we will continue to pressure them into delivering these vital improvements that should have been made decades ago.”
In a response to a letter from Ms Cross, a Network Rail spokesman said: “We would be pleased to consider Insch station as a potential nomination for the next tranche of Access for All funding, which would be delivered during the next Control Period – our five-year funding period – which runs from 2029 to 2034.
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“Although the next funding round is still some way off, we would be happy to undertake a short feasibility study at Insch to explore potential improvements that could enhance accessibility and the overall passenger experience.
“However, please do note that any improvements identified may be subject to securing third-party funding, which isn’t in our gift.
“This work is led by our Strategy and Investment team, who can carry out the study when capacity allows.”
