Trains miss disability target

The direct service from Wrexham to London opened in April

The train company behind Wales' newest direct intercity service has not introduced carriages adapted for disabled users on time.

Wrexham and Shropshire had specified a deadline of July for its Wrexham to London service, which opened in April.

Now it says it expects access will be upgraded by the autumn.

One disabled man, Emmett Roberts, of Wrexham, said: "It appears that top nobs and able-bodied people are top of the list of customers for this line."

Mr Roberts said that access to the direct service was particularly important for disabled users because changing trains can be very difficult .

"I am quite appalled, as a frequent rail user, that the new train got the go-ahead without being able to take wheelchair users," he said.

"I think it's disgusting in this day and age."

'Disappointed'

The assembly member for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths, has been in touch with Wrexham and Shropshire about disabled access to their trains.

"I was informed that the refurbished rolling stock would be operational by July," she said.

"I am very disappointed that the company have not been able to ensure disabled access for passengers prior to this service commencing."

"I sincerely hope there will be no further delays."

Wrexham and Shropshire said it had been given permission to operate the service in autumn 2007.

Carriages that were not adapted for disabled users were hired so that the service could open on time while specialist rolling stock was adapted.

That process is expected to be completed by this autumn.

In the meantime, ramps are provided and passengers with disabilities can look on the company's website or telephone them on 0845 260 5233 to discuss their travel requirements.

"We are investing £500,000 in our refurbished carriages to ensure that they meet best practice in terms of access and facilities for disabled people," a spokesman said.

"The new carriages will be coming into service as soon as the refurbishment is completed and in the meantime we will seek to accommodate people within the facilities available to us."

A spokeswoman for the company added: "We welcome passengers with disabilities onto our services and our staff are fully trained to provide assistance."