Station to be step-free after 15-year campaign

Work to provide step free access to a Dorset rail station is set to begin after a 15-year campaign.

The project will convert Pokesdown station's existing disused goods lift shafts into fully accessible customer lifts, providing step-free access to both platforms.

The station has been without a lift for more than 40 years, with campaigners calling for better access since 2010. Plans were submitted in April.

The project is funded by South Western Railway, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, and will be completed by early 2028.

The £7m project has faced repeated setbacks due to reported financial issues.

Managing Director of South Western Railway Lawrence Bowman said: "Customers, including people with reduced mobility, parents with buggies and those travelling with luggage, have faced barriers when using this station.

"These new lifts will open up the railway to more people and create a station that is welcoming, accessible and fit for the future."

The works, including the construction of new lifts and motor rooms, are due to begin in October 2026.

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth, said he knew first hand how vital it was to see these changes made.

He said: "I grew up caring for disabled parents, cut off from society, and want everyone to have equal rights to our railways.

"It's been an honour to share local people's stories with the Treasury and these stories helped to secure the nearly £3m necessary to start work on making Pokesdown step free."

Pokesdown station will remain open while the new lifts are installed, with some work taking place overnight, at weekends or during planned railway closures.