PROVIDING disabled access to a Wrexham train station remains high on Wrexham Council's agenda, the authority says.

The council states that the restricted disabled access at Ruabon train station is receiving cross party political support from local and national politicians, meaning it's being brought to the attention of the UK Government's Department for Transport.

The council says the station is recognised as the rail gateway to the Pontycysllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site and the tourist town of Llangollen and beyond to the Dee Valley and Corwen and running in boards (signs) were installed on both its platforms to recognise its importance.

It also serves the communities of Rhosymedre, Acrefair, Cefn Mawr, Johnstown and Penycae as well as Ruabon, and earlier this year the numbers using it rose by 7.3 per cent to 102,628 from 95,670

Despite the station's importance, access to the northbound Chester platform at this station is only possible by a footbridge with long flights of stairs on both platforms with all passengers having to negotiate over 50 steps on this footbridge.

The station and footbridge are listed structures so there has to be very careful consideration of how any improvements can be made so as not to affect its listing.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “Ruabon Station is the only station on the Chester Shrewsbury Line without step free access.

"The stairs cause major problems for the disabled with passengers wishing to alight here being advised to go to Wrexham and return on the next train south. Access for those with prams and push chairs is also very difficult if not impossible and a struggle for those with luggage or those less mobile.

"I would like to put on record my thanks to our local and national politicians, Cllr Dana Davies, Cllr Joan Lowe, Simon Baynes MP, Ken Skates MS and friends of Ruabon Station group.

"Their commitment and support to ensuring the work needed at this station is being brought to the attention of the Department for Transport in Westminster. Their cross-party support will hopefully result in a successful outcome in the near future to making this crucial station accessible to all.”