A tireless campaign to bring disabled access to Abergavenny train station is a step closer.

Councillor Maureen Powell County Councillor of Castle Ward, Abergavenny and Chairman of North Monmouthshire Area Committee, has been working on this project for many years.

The problem in the past has been the siting of the proposed access, as it is imperative that the signals should in no way, be impeded.

The Access for All programme provides an obstacle free, accessible route to and between the platforms.

Says Cllr Powell: ‘‘We were pleased that Abergavenny was selected by the Department for Transport for this programme.

‘’The project is progressing well and the Options Selections report finished.

‘‘There will be two lifts to the existing footbridge and , importantly, it will in no way conflict with the existing signal arrangement.

‘‘They have now started the tender process which is “Single Option Development”.

‘‘Once completed they will have the outline design drawings for the proposed scheme.

‘‘Access for all will be working closely with TfWRS as well as the Conservation Officer to ensure we protect the station’s heritage and obtain all necessary consents for the scheme.

‘‘I welcome this news for, not only the disabled, but also parents with young children and anyone with very heavy luggage.

‘‘I wish to thank David Davies MP for his help and support over the years.

‘‘Also thanks to Sam Hadley of Network Rail for his perseverance.

Mr Davies said: ‘‘I wish to thank County Councillor Maureen Powell for her sterling efforts on the disabled access project at Abergavenny railway station.

‘‘Her perseverance and willingness to work alongside Network Rail in pushing for improvements while protecting the station’s heritage means this scheme is progressing well.

‘‘There are a few more hoops to jump through before we have the outline design drawings. But it is good news for passengers.’’

Abergavenny Rail Access Campaign also welcomed the news with a statement:

’’Indeed it is good news that the campaign that started in summer of 2017 has finally borne fruit and we’re to get our lifts at our station!

’’When the campaign started we were very keen that it should be inclusive and cross party, and so it became.

’’ARAC (Abergavenny Railway Access Campaign) has a wide range of support from all political parties, County and Town Councils and a range of local organisations.

The petition, with 5000 signatures, demonstrated that there was wide support in the community for the initiative.

’’It was felt important that representation to the Access for All programme should establish the support of local disabled people and their input and perspective has been central.

’’The Town Council gave the campaign their full backing and were proactive, liaising with the transport providers Arriva and Transport for Wales, plus Network Rail.

’’Councillor Maureen Powell has been immensely supportive and has put in a lot of hard work, as has MCC Councillor Sheila Woodhouse, both making use of their influence and many contacts.

’’We now know that the signalling problem is no longer an issue and a solution has been identified, but in the current circumstances, unsurprisingly, there is no end date.

Hopefully, before too long, we will be able to celebrate by using the lifts- preferably before we get too old!’’