Hightown Station's Footbridge "Not Fit For Purpose"

The footbridge at Hightown Railway Station has for many years frustrated the journeys of young parents, the disabled and the elderly. Access over the footbridge is incredibly difficult for those with restricted mobility and young parents with prams and buggies. Local Liberal Democrat activists, James Ludley and Andrew Shields (pictured), continue their campaign for easier access between the two platforms at Hightown Railway Station.

Speaking to local residents, Lib Dem activists are concerned that Merseyrail are continuing to ignore the needs of rail users who find it difficult to cross the footbridge in its current condition. "The sloped part of the footbridge was designed with no regard to those with restricted mobility. By designing the sloped part of the footbridge with very steep steps it means that access to those in wheelchairs, with walking aids, or even parents or grandparents with prams, is extremely limited and highly dangerous” argues James Ludley (left).

Local resident and Hightown Councillor, John Gibson, has long called for a review into the access between the two platforms: “What makes the whole situation worse is that those who cannot cross the footbridge have no alternative but to travel right-around Hightown village. It’s very off putting for many local residents.”

Concluding on the matter Mr. Ludley raised further concern should Hightown suffer any further server weather, similar to the snow fall in December. “We were told at the Crosby Area Committee meeting that gritting the footbridge would be detrimental to the footbridge’s upkeep, because it can corrode the metal. Quite simply this footbridge is not fit for the people of Hightown nor is it fit for purpose full stop. Merseyrail need to take note of local resident’s concerns.”