Delight as £1m investment announced for railway station on Anglesey

An investment of £1m has been announced to improve access at a railway station on Anglesey

UK rail minister Huw Merriman was on the island on Monday with local MP Virginia Crosbie to see problems caused by the low platform at Ty Croes railway station

Historically, it was built at a low level so cattle could be transported to market.

A porter was previously based at the station to bring out a ramp to make trains accessible for people with mobility issues.

However, as there is currently no porter, travellers are forced to either move the ramp themselves – causing difficulties for people with mobility issues – or people who live next door to the station often come out and help.

The matter was raised with the Ynys Môn MP by local constituents, including Councillor Douglas Fowlie.

Ms Crosbie said she had spoken to the minister several times about the issue in Westminster and it was one of the main reasons for his visit.

During his visit, the minister met with local people to look at the problem and hear their concerns.

He announced the Department for Transport would fund a system to increase the height of the platform to resolve the issue, with work expected to be carried out next spring.

Ms Crosbie said “I am delighted the minister has announced this further investment in our island and I thank him for coming to see the problem, speaking to local people, and listening to my views that something needed to be done.

“It will be a game changer for accessibility at the station and it shows the UK Government not only listens but acts in the best interests of islanders.”

The minister visited a number of locations during his time on the island, meeting with representatives from Menter Môn, Lon Las Môn and Lein Amlwch to discuss how to put the disused Amlwch-Gaerwen line back into use.

He later went to Holyhead Railway Station to meet with Avanti drivers at their North Wales HQ, as well as managers.

He also toured the station to understand local issues with station manager Andy Baker and other local representatives.

The minister said: “I was pleased to visit Ty Croes station with Virginia and meet residents who are campaigning for level platform access to their trains.

“As a result of Virginia’s request, we will provide a construction solution by spring 2024 which will see a part of the platform brought up to allow for level boarding.”