Hexham train station's accessibility improvements praised but 'lift needed'
Mr Rice said the barrow crossing across the tracks "affords better access from one side to the other" as the walking route around the station was "absolutely diabolical".Staff are required to use the crossing, however, to block the signals and make sure no trains are due.
"We will take the view, however, that it is a stop-gap measure because even with this it doesn't afford independent travel," Mr Rice said."It's great that it can be done but the whole idea is accessible travel should be a right, not a privilege and it should be something that the user can do independently wherever possible, not having to seek the access."Passengers on the ticket office side need to ask the on-duty member of staff to use the crossing, while those on the other platform need to use the bell on the wall to ask for assistance.A spokesperson for Northern said: "Having colleagues available to help from the first train to the last train means we can offer consistent support to customers who need help getting across the foot crossing or accessing services."This change is part of our wider efforts to improve the experience for all customers."
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