NOW that Northwich railway station is being refurbished, has the October 2004 Disability Access Act been included and will it be implemented?

As the station does not sell tickets and has direct access, have any provisions been made for wheelchair access to both platforms? You can depart in Manchester's direction, but you cannot return or leave via the Chester departure platform.

Disabled people have awful problems using the overhead walkway and the steps down to both platforms.

The station could be a valuable advantage to everyone if eventually the line via Middlewich and Sandbach to Crewe is reopened, especially with the restrictions on departures from Hartford Station. Perhaps the following suggestions may be of help.

Install and create an entrance off the bridge on Middlewich Road, straight for access and egress on to the Chester platform.

This would help both the disabled and general public and would be down the existing stairs.

Why not close the single line behind the Chester platform and make an access at ground level off the Pullman Drive area?

Install a gradual sloping walkway off the pavement crossing the main road bridge leading directly on to the Chester platform, helping with wheelchair and disabled access.

DISABLED RAIL USER