Call for action over Tilbury rail bridge (From Thurrock Gazette)

Call for action over Tilbury rail bridge

2:36pm Thursday 2nd August 2007

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BOROUGH MP Andrew Mackinlay has called for urgent action to be taken to solve the longrunning problem of access to Tilbury Town rail station.

Local residents and disabled rights campaigners have long complained about the fact that the only immdiate access to the London-bound platform is via a steep footbridge with steps, causing big problems for the infirm, mums with pushchairs and people in wheelchairs.

The government, Thurrock Council, Network Rail, service operators c2c and Mr Mackinlay himself have come under fire from residents for the lack of improvements.

However, in a parting shot before parliament entered its summer recess, Mr Mackinlay has again taken up cudgels on behalf of station users, drawing attention to the fact the he feels frustrated by not being able to solve the problem.

Speaking in the House of Commons he said he had an urgent issue "relating to the inadequate capacity of people such as me to remedy a wrong for my constituents."

He continued: "I refer particularly but not exclusively to Tilbury Town station, where there is an inordinately high pedestrian bridge.

"There are no real facilities for people who are handicapped, semi-ambulant, or parents with pushchairs and prams. It is wholly inadequate.

"The upside goes to London. Most of the residential area of Tilbury is on the other side.

"I have raised the matter over the years with the rail operator successive organisations, including Railtrack and Network Rail, and with the former Disability Rights Commission, which did not seem adequately interested in my view.

"It was very disappointing.

"I hope that the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will address the problem in Tilbury.

"I acknowledge that it can be very costly to provide adequate access to and in railway stations, but it is a price that the community should pay. We cannot go on like this, and I hope that the Government and the new equality commission will take an interest so that the issue can be pursued and prosecuted with vigour. We need some remedy."

Campaigner John Morris of Arkwright Road, Tilbury, said: "We knew the commission was changing and welcome the fact that Mr Mackinlay is chasing with them. We hope that Thurrock Council will do the same and that finally we will get some action."

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