Disabled access to be improved at Totton station as part of nationwide scheme

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a £20m funding package which will finance a raft of improvements to Britain's rail network, including new lifts, disabled access toilets and customer information screens.

Disabled passengers at Totton will be provided with level access to Platform 2 in a scheme expected to cost £300,000.

Mr Shapps said: "The ability to travel easily from A to B is an essential factor for our day to day lives - but is not the reality for everyone.

"I recognise we have much more to do, which is why we’re making 124 stations more accessible - a key part of levelling-up access for disabled people.

"This is just the start of a much more ambitious agenda. My goal is to go much further in the years ahead to help ensure our country’s transport system becomes one of the most accessible in the world.

"These improvements are being made through the Access for All programme which since 2006 has already made more than 200 stations step free."

Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled People, added: "Everyone using our rail network deserves platforms and toilets they can use and this £20m investment will make a huge difference to disabled people."

Plans to upgrade Totton station were welcomed by town, district and county councillor David Harrison.

He said: "This is a practical example of how investment can be used to give disabled people fair access to public transport.

"I am really pleased to see Totton train station on the list.

"It needs a lot of work to bring it up to standard. Improved disabled access is one of the most important things that should be done.

"Let's all hope that the necessary work is carried quickly".