Deal Railway Station

Published: 21 February 2020

Deal Town Council (DTC) welcomes the Department for Transport’s recent announcement that the council’s bid for funding from the Access for All Programme, worked up jointly in partnership with Network Rail and Southeastern Railways has been successful.

Having budgeted additional DTC funds towards the overall improvements the council is delighted in securing £105,000 of funding to improve accessibility at Deal railway station. This builds on the work recently carried out to provide better lighting on the down platform side, from the platform up the slope to the London Road.

DTC remains committed to securing major funding for a lift to be installed at Deal train station but the modest and important improvements that this current round of funding provides will greatly assist members of our community who have a disability or who have other mobility issues.

DTC would also like to thank local campaigners for their invaluable efforts over some years as well as the continued support from both DDC and KCC Councillors.

DTC looks forward to continuing work with its partners on the precise details of the work to be carried out and to ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered with the minimum of disruption, on time and within budget.

Neil Priest, Programme Manager for the Department of Transport says:

‘We are committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same access to transport services and opportunities to travel as other members of society’

Councillor Ben Bano, Chairman of Deal Town Council’s Transport and infrastructure Committee commented:

‘This is brilliant news for those who have difficulties in accessing the station. Whether using the train for work or pleasure it will provide much needed opportunities for people with mobility issues. Our thanks are due to all our partner agencies which helped to bring this about. ’

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail route director, Kent, said: “We are committed to working closely with our funders and train operating companies to improve accessibility at stations, many of which were built in the Victorian era when there was little consideration of accessibility.

‘This announcement is great news for passengers who use Deal station and will bring benefits to those using it. ’