Disabled access plan for railway stations unveiled

Two railway stations in Greater Manchester could be given disabled access for the first time.

Pictures of plans to improve accessibility at Mossley and Greenfield stations have been announced by Network Rail, which owns, operates and maintains Britain's railway infrastructure.

As part of a consultation exercise, Network Rail has also shown how overhead electric wires could look on top of Saddleworth Viaduct.

If the plans are approved, Network Rail spokesman Alex Heron said work would start in 2027 and be completed by the end of the decade.

The improvements to rail infrastructure between the Stalybridge tunnel and Diggle are part of wider plans to upgrade Transpennine services between Manchester, Leeds and York.

Mossley station would be moved 985 ft (300m) north of its current location and given a new footbridge, with lifts to allow step-free platform access.

The changes would include access to and from Manchester Road.

Platforms at Greenfield station, meanwhile, would be extended to allow longer trains to use it.

A new footbridge with lifts would also be installed.

Steel masts are proposed for outside of the Saddleworth Viaduct, with their location designed to "avoid the most visible areas of the viaduct where possible", a Network Rail spokesman said.

It said it wanted to "minimise the visual impact" on the picturesque heritage area.

The masts are needed because of plans to electrify the network.

New and replacement bridges are also planned on sections of the network between Stalybride and Diggle, to allow for the line's full electrification.

The consultation is open until 25 October.