BCP Council is considering withdrawing its contribution to planned accessibility improvements at Pokesdown railway station in Bournemouth.
Councillors are due to discuss ending the provisional funding agreed in January twenty twenty two for a wider station improvement project, after years of delays reduced the scope of works. The scheme was initially expected to include upgrades to the station building, forecourt, CCTV, seating and shelters, alongside improved access.
The current proposal would see the project limited to installing lifts and repainting platform canopies only. The council says continued delays have increased borrowing pressures and that rail infrastructure is the responsibility of national operators.
Councillor Mike Cox CBE said the authority wants to see improved accessibility at all seven stations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, but added that rising borrowing costs mean it cannot justify the commitment. He said the council is asking national rail bodies to accelerate long promised accessibility work.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the council will continue working with Network Rail and Great British Railways to keep improvements at Pokesdown a priority.
Opposition councillors and Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes criticised the move, saying it risks delaying step free access for passengers with mobility needs. Network Rail has been asked for comment.
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