Metro Station Campaign - Success

• Nexus responds to the residents' petition by agreeing to revise access plans for Walkergate Metro Station
• Lifts to be installed to create easier access to both platforms alongside steps and modified ramps
• Work will start on the improvements this summer

Cllr Pauline Allen met the Nexus Director General, Bernard Garner, in January. She presented him with the FOCUS petition containing hundreds of signatures from local residents who want safer access to Walkergate Metro Station.

He responded by saying that new plans for the Metro Station were under development and that these would address the problems of getting to and from the platforms.

The old "ski jump" ramp to the north platform will be replaced by a lift and a new safer staircase. The ramp to the south platform will also be improved and a new lift installed as well. The rest of the station will also be revamped and new ticket machines installed.

Detailed plans are due to be published shortly and work is due to commence in the summer. This follows the Coalition Government's confirmation made last autumn to fund the investment bringing the Metro up to date.

Commenting on the successful campaign, Pauline Allen said: "I want to say thank you to the many local residents who responded to the Focus campaign for better station access. Everyone agreed that the old ramps and steps were difficult to use safely, particularly in bad weather.

"I am pleased that Nexus has listened to the concerns of local people. Their plans for the new lifts and improved stairs and ramps, alongside a revamped station will make it much easier for everyone to use the Metro in the future."