Update on train station accessibility across the Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy constituency

Since my election last year I’ve had many conversations with residents about the problems caused by the lack of accessibility at Burntisland, Kinghorn and Cowdenbeath Railway Stations. Clearly this has been a problem for many years. I believe it is unacceptable in this day and age that wheelchair users, parents with buggies and small children, people with heavy luggage, cyclists and others struggle to access our railway because there is no step-free access on certain platforms, or because ramps are too steep.

On your behalf, I have raised this issue in the House of Commons; met with the Transport Secretary; and met with the Local Transport Minister to set out why change is needed. I’ve also met with Scotrail and Network Rail, who bear responsibility for infrastructure at train stations across the UK.

If you live in, or travel to Burntisland, please read on:

Partly as a result of this work, Network Rail have now carried out and shared with me a preview of a feasibility study at Burntisland Station. This looks at the ways in which the station could be made accessible and the project cost of each option. This means that an in-depth study has been conducted to explore whether improvements such as installing lifts, ramps or step free access are deemed cost-effective and practical. This is the starting point for me to work with others to secure funding for changes to be made - and that is what I will be doing.

To help make the case for funding, I am collecting evidence about the impact that lack of step-free access has on the lives of residents.

Completing the survey below will only take a few minutes but your feedback is very important and I will pass it on to the government and to Network Rail, Transport Scotland and others.

I am glad that we have made progress on this long-running problem but there is a way to go yet. With your help, I will continue to fight for these vital improvements at Burntisland Railway Station is fit for all to use.

I would love to hear your views on this issue and would encourage you to get in touch by filling in the survey below. You can also email me at melanie.ward.mp@parliament.uk or by phoning my constituency office on 01592 590017. I also hold regular surgeries across our constituency where I meet residents and do my best to help with problems.