Insch Station has been given the go-ahead for its next step in becoming more accessible.
Problems for disabled people at the Aberdeenshire amenity have been a longstanding issue, especially after it was named one of the least accessible stations in Scotland.
Those living with a disability have had to contend with their nearest fully accessible station being in Dyce, nearly 20 miles away.
At the moment, those wishing to use the rail network can book a taxi through Scotrail to an alternative station.
However, after presenting the Scottish Government with an independent appraisal of the platform, the Nestrans “Case for Change” has been approved by Transport Scotland.
The City and Shire transport body is now much closer to years of work being realised.
The partnership will next move forward with presenting options, relating to issues at the station in a preliminary appraisal before work can commence on the rural platform.
Speaking at a Nestrans meeting yesterday, deputy leader of Aberdeenshire Council and vice chairman of Nestrans, Peter Argyle said: “This is tremendous news and whilst it doesn’t solve the problem, it is a positive step in the right direction.”
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “We believe in the absolute rights of disabled people to participate as full and equal citizens.
“Our vision is that all disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.
“We are aware of local concerns regarding accessibility at Insch station, which is why Nestrans was awarded Local Rail Development Funding to carry out some appraisal work on this area.
“The first stage of this appraisal process was approved today, and Nestrans now move onto the next stage of the process.
“Once the appraisal process is complete, the Insch proposals will be considered for future inclusion in our pipeline programme of work.”
