Disabled can't use station for three months

Work costing £200,000 is being carried out to upgrade the station's lifts, which will be out of action for three months.

Without the lifts, the two platforms which are each at the top of a flight of steps, are inaccessible to people with disabilities, the elderly and parents with prams.

Instead passengers are being urged to use Worcester's Shrub Hill, although not all services stop there.

A total of 40 trains a day run in both directions through Worcester, with 25 of those stopping at both stations.

Once refurbished, the lifts will have control buttons which can be used by people with impaired vision, they will also have new visual displays, grab handles, an emergency stop button and voice announcements.

Station bosses say the work is vital to bring the facilities up to date, despite criticism about the lack of alternative arrangements.

Commuter Paul Griffiths, who lives in West Malvern and uses the station every day to travel, said: "It sounds absolutely crazy.

"What is a woman with a pushchair going to do, or wheelchair users? I'm certain so many customers will find it very inconvenient. I don't think they are doing the right thing at all.

"I don't know what people who need to use the lifts are going to do to get down the steps, it will be impossible.

"People who need to use the lifts will have to beg other people for help getting down the stairs - it's a disgrace."

A spokesman for Central Trains said the refurbishment work would start on Monday, September 4.

"Passengers who would normally need to use the lifts are advised to use Worcester Shrub Hill Station instead," he said.

The Worcester Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) encouraged people to contact them for help.

A spokeswoman said: "People are welcome to contact us on 01905 27790 for help and advice on the situation at Foregate Street station.

"We would encourage people to use other forms of transport like buses, and use Shrub Hill station where

possible."