JustBeingCP

The Hawthorns railway station is situated not too far away from the hawthorns itself and is ready to welcome the supporters of Stoke City to the area for the clubs latest home match of the season.

The team from West Midlands Trains (WMT) installed accessible waiting spaces on the platforms at the station a few months ago after I met with senior officials from the operator to share with them the challenges that I and others faced when using the stations around the Midlands to remain independent.

My equal access campaign to get stations across the region more accessible started in early 2023 after I realised that we, the disabled community weren’t receiving the same level of service on railways than our able-bodied peers.

As you will know by now I wrote to the operator about the issue of accessibility at stations across the network that they manage for those who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other walking aids and a meeting was scheduled for November that year with officials.

It was at this point when the idea of having accessible waiting spaces and various types of signage was created and they are:

A blue and white sign in the form of square which is attached to a brick wall on the platforms and features a white wheelchair logo and the words “for mobility assistance please wait here” inside.

When supporters arrive back at the station after the match later which kicks off at 15:00 they should head to the dedicated waiting spaces that can be found on either platform, I would also recommend making yourself known to the event station staff once you have arrived at the station before the match, this is so they know you will be travelling home by rail.

My message to other supporters using the station to get home this afternoon is a simple one and this, please be mindful of where you stand on the platforms as those requiring assistance to board services may need access to the spaces at all times.

There are 3 different ways that your assisted travel can be booked up to 2 hours before departure and they are

By Phone: 0800 024 8998 or by using Next Generation Text – 18001 0800 024 8998.

Online: https://booking.passengerassistance.com.

By using the App: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/passenger-assistance/id1542190496.

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I wish all those attending the match later a safe, successful and enjoyable afternoon and thank them for taking the time to read this reminder about the accessibility provision that is on offer to supporters at the station when they use the rail network to get home from matches at the home of the Baggies.

Thank you must also go to you, my regular loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest post, it doesn’t go unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated.

Cam