‘Delighted’ – Station set to become more disabled-friendly after funding boost

As well as this, automatic doors will also be fitted at the ticket office to improve disabled access at the station.

The improvements are part of a £250,000 scheme by train operator Northern to help transform the railway.

A total of 13 winning bids from community groups and other organisations are set to receive grants of up to £50,000 from the fund to make accessibility improvements at stations in their area and make services available to anyone who may feel isolated or excluded.

Community Rail Cumbria has also won funding for its project Mindful Days on the Railway, which teaches young people with special educational needs about rail safety and provides days out.

Disability campaigner Tony Jennings, from Ulverston, welcomed the funding boost.

He said: “I am delighted to have supported Community Rail Cumbria in their successful Northern Accessibility Fund bids.

“The bids involved disabled people with lived experience empowering communities and improves station access, giving disabled people more reassurance to travel

“It’s a first for the UK rail industry as the successful bids were chosen by the independent Northern Accessibility User Group (NAUG) and supported by Northern.

“Ulverston station will have a dropped kerb with tactile paving at the entrance which will improve station accessibility for wheelchair users and visually impaired people.

“Automatic electric door openers at Ulverston Station will improve accessibility and will enable everyone, especially disabled and older people easier access to the ticket office and accessible toilet, as currently they have to struggle opening heavy doors.”