Latest news with #trainstation
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Disabled lifts at Leatherhead Station 'too small' for wheelchair
A woman has claimed new accessibility lifts installed at a Surrey train station are too small for her an event marking their official opening, wheelchair-user Vikki Walton-Cole told BBC Radio Surrey the lifts at Leatherhead Station – which formed part of a £6.2m investment – were "very uncomfortable".The co-chair of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People said the lifts needed to have a bigger entrance and a longer and wider internal platform, as it was "virtually impossible" to fit luggage or another person in the lift with McAuliffe, Network Rail's Sussex and Surrey route director, said she was sorry to hear there were concerns about the new lifts. "Whilst they are fully compliant with national standards, we fully appreciate the frustrations raised," she said. Ms McAuliffe added that when installing lifts at old, historic stations, limited space meant not every wheelchair or mobility scooter would fit as comfortably as others. Ms McAuliffe said Network Rail was looking to make the rail network "more accessible" for all passengers, including families with buggies, wheelchair users and people who did not feel confident using the new lifts and footbridge, which provide step-free access to each platform, were unveiled on Friday, following work that began in January station, served by Southern and South Western Railway, previously had no lift & Ewell MP Helen Maguire said the improvements would make a "massive difference for so many individuals who have found it difficult to use the station". The Liberal Democrat said there were a number of constraints on Network Rail, such as finance and space, but added that the correct lifts for everyone should be installed where possible.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New £62million train station will be made even bigger to welcome millions of passengers at UK Universal theme park
A NEW train station is being made even bigger to welcome millions of visitors to the UK's upcoming Universal theme park. Officials estimate up to 12.5million passengers a year could visit the site in Bedfordshire. Around 28,000 jobs will be created by the theme park bringing in £50 billion for the economy. The park will create roughly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 when it opens in 2031. With such a large number of passengers expected to arrive by train, the construction of a new two-platform railway station near to the site has officially been put on hold. Work had already started on building the station at Wixams in Bedfordshire. More than £28m has already been spent on the project. Bedford Borough Council had budgeted £62.6m for the original railway station plan, but more money will now be needed. 5 Conservative Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton has rubber stamped the decision to terminate the existing agreement with Network Rail, reports the BBC. Instead, design work will begin on a larger four-platform station to help accommodate the influx of tourists and visitors. The Universal attraction will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone. Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces. 5 The plans state: "[Guests will ] experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars. "They'll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains. "They'll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they've only ever dreamed of." Termination clause Construction on the original train station began in September 2024. But the council had inserted a termination clause in anticipation of the Universal development potentially overtaking the existing plans. Mayor Wootton approved the decision to scrap the original agreement on Friday, July 25. Network Rail has halted further subcontract awards, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food Work is focused on making the site safe and clearing materials, with the demobilisation expected to finish by the end of August. The council had budgeted about £62m for the Wixams Station project and revised funding proposals will be laid out for councillors to examine. 5 The Universal UK theme park is expected to open in 2031, and include indoor and outdoor rides, attractions, games and pools. There is also set to be events spaces for parades, shows and displays. Entertainment venues are set to include theatres and cinemas and sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities are also planned. Other entertainment venues suggested are music and dance venues, nightclubs and even tattoo parlours. museums. By Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor Universal Studios being given the go-ahead for a UK theme park is welcome news for rollercoaster fans. After the decade-long saga of the London Resort - a £3.5billion project dubbed the UK's Disneyland that was eventually scrapped - the new Universal park will be the first new theme park in the country in decades. Backed by both locals and now the government, it will also be the first Universal park in the UK and could have a number of themed lands including Harry Potter, Super Mario and Minions, although nothing has been confirmed yet. We have a way off until it opens, with it hoping to be ready by 2031. But with our Head of Travel Lisa Minot having a sneak peak at the new Epic Universe theme park in Florida (opening this summer) – it's certainly an exciting addition to the UK.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years
A RURAL English town has been given the green light for a new £42million train station that will reopen a vital link. After more than 60 years without a railway station, Cullompton has been granted funding by the Department of Transport and HM Treasury. 2 2 The announcement is set to turbo-charge the economy of the Devon town and provide desperately needed transport links for locals and visitors. The funding will also help to support plans for a new station in Wellington. Cullompton station first opened in 1844 and closed in 1964. The reopening will be key to enabling the Culm Garden Village development, which will create around 5,000 homes. The new station will also be next to the motorway services at Junction 28 of the M5. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: 'Further investment in rail infrastructure in Devon is always welcome and this railway station for Cullompton is key to the town's economic growth and will help reduce carbon emissions in the county. "People need improved public transport options if they're going to be encouraged to change their travel habits. "Hopefully Cullompton could follow the success of Okehampton Station and the re-opening of the Dartmoor Line, which is a great example of what can be achieved given the necessary funding from government.' In April, a delegation of 30 people from the region travelled to London to hand-deliver powerful letters of support to rail minister Lord Hendy. Backed by a cross-party group of South West MPs and Wellington Town Council, the letters stressed how restoring rail links to both Okehampton and nearby Wellington could unlock major economic, social and environmental benefits. Lord Hendy said: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities. "The case for taking a combined approach presents significantly higher value for money compared with a stand-alone project in either area.' He added: 'Reopening Cullompton and Wellington stations would be a strategic investment aligning with the Government's goals to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact and improve social mobility.' Economic growth Gideon Amos, who also backed the scheme, said: 'For the cost of around £42 million, £180 million of economic growth would go into the region — which I know the Government would want to see. 'Frankly, there is no other rail project in the south-west that is ready to go and could be built and completed in the next two years, as the project is so far advanced. 'In fact, had it not been for the review in July last year, the spades would be in the ground and the platforms under construction, because the contract was about to be let and the detailed design was almost finished.' And Labour MP Simon Lightwood added in the Commons: 'The strategic objectives are clear. "Enhancing public transport connectivity will support growth and productivity in Exeter, Taunton and Bridgwater, while also reducing road congestion, car dependency and carbon emissions. ' He continued: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities." This comes as satellite images of a new £15million train station at Okehampton were revealed. The station, which will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond, will also benefit education and leisure services in the region. GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said the project would provide "valuable support for the community and local economies". Satellite images show the rapid development of the £15million scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council. Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station on the edge of Okehampton, two minutes from the A30. In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it.
CNA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
46:42 Min
Explore Singapore's colourful 'hood, discover vinyl havens and go behind-the-scenes of its deepest train station. Finally, meet an American fitness coach who's become one of the locals. Singapore Hour About the show: Welcome to Singapore Hour: your all-access pass to the city that never stops surprising. From iconic eats to cutting-edge tech, vibrant culture to hidden local gems – we bring you the best of Singapore through the eyes of those who know it best. Whether you're here to travel, work, or just soak up the vibe, Singapore Hour is your definitive guide to what's hot, what's next and what you absolutely can't miss.
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
New £15million train station linking tiny town to 3 major destinations is unveiled in new satellite photos
A STUNNING series of satellite images has captured a new £15million train station that will link a tiny town to three major destinations. Train bosses said the new rail link will benefit commuters, students and businesses. 3 The station, which will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond, will also benefit education and leisure services in the region. GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said the project would provide "valuable support for the community and local economies". Satellite images show the rapid development of the £15million scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council. Major update Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station on the edge of Okehampton, two minutes from the A30. In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it. 3 The previous track layout didn't allow for a platform to be built that meets regulations for new stations. New track and 20 concrete sleepers were installed in the new alignment and 1,000 tonnes of ballast (track stone) laid and compacted. Drainage work also took place with two new chambers built under the track and 300 tonnes of stone laid to allow water to flow away from the railway. 3 Then in May, 25 bored piles were driven 12 metres into the ground to support the new platform, footbridge and lift. The next major stage of work will see the footbridge and lift shaft installed in autumn. Man in his 70s dies after car falls down embankment and crashes onto train tracks as busy rail route closed Work is also ongoing to build a 200-space car park and station platform. Network Rail lead portfolio manager Alex Phillips said the past six months had seen "strong momentum on this important project, with several significant milestones reached". Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity Councillor Jacqi Hodgson added: 'I'm sure everyone is pleased to see that good progress is being made on the site. "Some major elements of the scheme will be carried out in the coming months, such as the installation of the footbridge, but everything is already taking shape. "The Dartmoor Line is a tremendous success and we're looking forward to the opening of this new station which will make rail travel more convenient for even more people, reducing traffic congestion and helping reduce our carbon footprint in Devon.' West Devon Borough Council's lead member for planning and built environment Councillor Caroline Mott said the project will bring long-lasting benefits to everyone in West Devon". West Devon Borough Council's lead member for economy Councillor Neil Jory said it would have a "positive impact" on the wider region.
