We were hoping to get in touch very soon with good news... However, disaster at the final hurdle. Part of the funding for the project to install lifts has been withdrawn at the last minute putting the scheme in jeopardy. But you can help.
So what can you do? First of all fill out our MP's petition. This is a simple action that will take seconds.
The cabinet meeting is next week so please contact BCP Cabinet members to explain your feelings.
Read on for more detail:
Network Rail, DfT and BCP were funding a scheme to renovate part of the station and install lifts. However BCP have withdrawn their portion. We were led to believe this was ring-fenced funds.
How did we get here? There is a long history where in 2019 SWR had an obligation to undertake this work. They got out of this. The campaign initially did not campaign for local taxpayers part funding this, but the BCP administration in 2022 agreed a way forward considering the old franchisee did not fulfil their obligation. It was realised a bigger project with investment from Network Rail and DfT would be lost if they didn't fund the portion the previous franchisee was let to wriggle out of in 2019.
All of the hard work for investment will be lost unless a rethink happens.
Remember to first of all fill out our MP's petition. This is a simple action that will take seconds.
Email your councillors.
The cabinet meeting is next week so please contact BCP Cabinet members to explain your feelings.
Finally, share this news.