Calls to fix region's 'least accessible station'

A transport campaigner is calling on the government to improve accessibility at the "worst station" on a train operator's network.

Derek Monnery has claimed Marks Tey station in Essex was "by far the worst in the whole of the Greater Anglia patch for accessibility".

Mr Monnery, who is the chairman of the Essex Rail Users Federation, said a "very old and very rickety" footbridge meant many passengers were unable to access two of the three platforms at the station.

The Department for Transport said it was committed to improving access to the rail network.

Passengers arriving at Marks Tey on the Sudbury branch line are affected by the unsuitable footbridge, according to Mr Monnery.

"Because the bridge is so old, it's not suitable for anybody in a wheelchair, with heavy bags, with a pushchair, anything like that," he said.

Local Conservative MP for Witham, Dame Priti Patel, said she and the MP for South Suffolk, James Cartlidge, were continuing their "longstanding and ongoing campaign" to improve accessibility for passengers using the station.

"I have raised this matter again with the new ministerial team at the Department for Transport, pressing them on inclusion of the station in future rounds of the Access for All scheme," said Dame Priti.

The Access for All programme was launched in 2006 to address the issues faced by disabled passengers when using train stations.

Station operator Greater Anglia said it had applied for government funding twice.

"Unfortunately, we have not yet been successful," a spokesperson said.

"But we will continue to work with stakeholders across Essex to secure funding that will provide a footbridge with lifts at Marks Tey."

The Department for Transport added it will provide updates on the Access for All scheme "in due course".

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.