Flitwick station marks 150th birthday with accessibility improvements

Flitwick’s train station is one of several rail stations to benefit from a government grant to make accessibility improvements. The funding will provide new lifts and a new footbridge at the station, with the announcement being made in the station’s 150^th anniversary year.

Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, James Jamieson, said: “The council has worked closely with Govia Thameslink and Network Rail to secure the necessary funds to deliver full step free access at Flitwick Station.”

Tom Moran, Managing Director of Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “This is great news, particularly given the 150^th anniversary of Flitwick station which we are celebrating this year.”

It is thought that over 1.6 million people use Flitwick station every year and lifts to the platforms will help make a huge difference to all passengers who struggle to access the trains because they use wheelchairs, have buggies, heavy luggage or other mobility issues. The funding will help ensure that everyone that uses the station will have their needs accommodated. The grant is part of a wider government initiative to make public transport more accessible.

Speaking to reporters, Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is a vial project to improve accessibility at Flitwick Station and we welcome the announcement that funding for this scheme has been secured. Once complete, the project will make using the station much easier for all passengers and open up travel opportunities for more people. Network Rail will continue to work closely with stakeholders to deliver this scheme which will bring significant benefits for all passengers who use Flitwick Station.”