Daisy Hill Station lift installation to begin in spring

Residents and councillors have been battling to get an elevator installed at Daisy Hill Train Station to provide greater accessibility. 

Plans were submitted to Bolton Council last month for the installation of the lift, with platforms at the station currently only accessible via stairs. 

In 2019, funding was put in place to create disabled facilities at the station. 

Now, Transport for Greater Manchester have confirmed that works at the station will begin in mid-March. 

They will include installation of the lift and improvements to the station's accessible car parking facilities, as part of a £4m investment. 

The works are set to be completed in December this year. 

Local councillor David Chadwick said: "Up until now, it has been a bit open to question. 

"I am thrilled to hear that it is now moving rapidly forward, it has been well overdue for a number of years. 

"It has always been needed. It is a bit excruciating to be stood on the platform, watching those who are disabled and people with prams and buggies, small children, try to use it. 

"It is much easier to come down in a lift rather than having to negotiate 20 steps from road to platform." 

Daisy Hill Station (Image: David Wilkinson)

He added: "It is brilliant news that we are getting there. It certainly appears very positive." 

There will also be works to install two lifts at Irlam station. 

Bolton Council’s Leader Cllr Nick Peel, said: “We want to ensure that the borough has sustainable transport options which are accessible for all. 

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“The upgrades made through the Access for All scheme at Daisy Hill include a passenger lift which will benefit many residents and greatly improve their travelling experience.”

The works will cause disruption at Daisy Hill station and on Leigh Road, which services it. 

TfGM anticipates traffic management will be required on Leigh Road outside the station. 

General construction works will take place on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, with those that are 'network disrupting' taking place on weekends. 

Both car parks will be affected. The gravelled car park to the south west will be closed throughout duration of the scheme, while the car park to the north will be used for approximately eight weeks. 

There will also be a change to the current ticket office and booking hall, creating a new 'lift lobby area'. The ticket office will be closed during these works, but a to-be-announced alternative will be provided.