CAMPAIGNING councillors have been told Lochwinnoch train station will not be upgraded for disabled passengers.

Platform two at the station has stairs and no disabled access, meaning passengers with mobility issues travelling from Glasgow Central cannot disembark in the village.

Councillor Emma Rodden, whose ward covers Lochwinnoch, called for improved access during a full council meeting in June.

READ MORE: Quadruple amputee calls for disabled access at village train station

However, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has since advised elected members the station does not meet UK Government criteria for investment.

Cllr Rodden said the latest development is “a disappointment but not wholly unexpected.”

The Gazette:

Cllr Emma Rodden has led the charge for better disabled access 

The SNP woman added: “I will continue to take advice from Renfrewshire Council officers. I am still hopeful and determined in equal measure.

“This was never going to be an easy feat but our efforts will be more than worth it when we are successful and the people of Lochwinnoch are afforded the equality of opportunity they so deserve.”

Johnstone’s Milliken Park station has previously received investment to upgrade its disabled access, leaving Conservative councillor Bill Binks to suggest Lochwinnoch has been “totally ignored.”

The Gazette:

Both sides of Milliken Park station are accessible by ramp 

Cllr Binks told last week’s meeting of Renfrewshire’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board: “I can’t understand how we can provide £1.5million for Milliken Park but we are saying nothing can happen for Lochwinnoch.”

“The ageing population in Lochwinnoch is a very high percentage and they rely on this service. It’s being totally ignored.”

Councillor James MacLaren, leader of the Conservative group, said “more should be done” to bring disabled access to the station.

He said: “We are in an age where everything has to be disabled friendly at the moment.

“It doesn’t seem beyond the realms of possibility to have a lift installed at either side of the station. Certainly more should be done here.

“As Councillor Binks says, that railway is an important asset for the village.
“Shops have to do so much to be disabled friendly, so it doesn’t seem fair that a railway station gets away with it.”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, board convener, acknowledged there was a problem with the station not having disabled access.

The Gazette:

Cllr McEewan acknowledged the problem 

The SNP member suggested Renfrewshire Council writes to the UK Government, as current legislation means the decision “lies within their remit.”

She said: “I do see there’s a real problem there.”

READ MORE: Councillor claims she was called an 'a***' in the chamber

Speaking after the meeting, Labour councillor Derek Bibby, who also represents Lochwinnoch, said the outcome was “extremely disappointing.”

He added: “Following on from the withdrawal of the weekday late night bus service, it is yet another example of how the needs of Lochwinnoch’s travelling public are being ignored.”