By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:20, Thursday, 18 October 2012

Passengers will be able to board trains more easily at two Cumbrian stations at the end of the month.

Bit of a lift: Network Rail is installing more access humps at stations on the Cumbria coast line. County councillor Tim Knowles, inset, says ‘It’s important our stations are as inclusive as possible’

Work is ongoing to install access humps at Seascale and St Bees stations as part of a low-cost solution to the problem passengers have getting on and off trains where platforms are too low.

The humps have been developed by Network Rail and Cumbria County Council.

They work by raising a small section of the platform, so it is the same level as the disabled access doors on trains.

Installing the hump can be up to 10 times more cost effective than rebuilding the platform, said Network Rail.

The first “hump” was introduced at Harrington station, near Workington, four years ago. Due to its success, it attracted national interest and was rolled out in other stations across the country.

Stuart Middleton, Network Rail’s general manager for Lancashire and Cumbria, said that the success of “Harrington Hump” saw similar ones installed at stations across England and Wales.

County councillor Tim Knowles, who is responsible for transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see the success of the original humps in our own county has given the opportunity for other stations in Cumbria to be more accessible. It’s important our stations are as inclusive as possible and I fully welcome these new developments.”

Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail, said: “Making our stations more accessible is an important way of opening up the possibilities of rail travel to more people.

“We’re looking forward to hearing what our customers think.”

Both of the platforms at Seascale will have the humps installed and St Bees will have one on the Carlisle platform.

A hump will also be put in place further south in the county, at Dalton train station, on the Barrow platform.

First published at 11:17, Thursday, 18 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk