A PENSIONER who has been putting pressure on transport bosses for an access ramp to be built at Dorchester West station for more than a decade said she is 'overjoyed' that the £300,000 project is finally complete.
Sally Falkingham, 85, is among those who have been asking Network Rail and Dorset Council to build the no-step access ramp, which now allows disabled and elderly passengers to get to the northbound platform one via a specially-built route from Williams Avenue.
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Three trees and some bushes in Williams Avenue have been removed as part of the work.
Previously, disabled people and others with restricted mobility were forced to travel to Weymouth and then back again if they wanted to head north.
Ms Falkingham, who serves as transport representative for Maiden Newton Parish Council, said: "The station is now accessible for everyone.
"I myself struggle with mobility and I know that if disabled passengers wanted to head home to Maiden Newton they would have to go to Weymouth because they could not access the northbound platform.
"I have been shouting for this since 2008 and I'm overjoyed."
As well as providing access to platform one, the new ramp also gives passengers step-free access to Dorset County Hospital.
Industry programme director for Network Rail, Jason Bridges said: "For those who were forced to travel to Weymouth, the new access ramp will save them time and money, and it will provide a safer passage to the hospital - allowing station users to avoid using the busy crossing between Damers Road and the bottom of Williams Avenue."
Another figurehead behind the £300,000 scheme is West Dorset MP Chris Loder, who has been lobbying for the work to start in recent years.
Mr Loder said: "Finally, it's here.
"It will enable disabled people to travel to north locations such as Bath or south to Weymouth by their choosing.
"I asked why the access ramp hadn't been completed sooner and I was told the land by Williams Avenue is owned by Dorset Council and the land where the ramp is now located was owned by Network Rail - so it was a bureaucracy issue."
Dorset Council member for Dorchester West, Les Fry said: "I'm aware this has been years in the making. It's the result of Dorset Council, Network Rail, and other community groups coming together.
"We're pleased it will provide easier access for disabled people within the area as well as greater accessibility to Dorset County Hospital from platform one and vice versa."
Funding for the ramp came from Network Rail, Dorset Council, West Dorset District Council, Dorchester Town Council and a private donation.
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