One of Oldham’s only railway stations is set to receive a massive upgrade after more than a decade of campaigning.
Most of Oldham’s railway structure was converted to Metrolink services, but two stations still serve the borough: Greenfield in Saddleworth, and Mills Hill, on the border with Middleton and Chadderton.
However, while Mills Hill is accessible with a lift and ramp, Greenfield station’s Huddersfield-bound platform is only accessible by using a footbridge, which requires climbing and descending 24 steps on each side.
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Previously, local MP Debbie Abrahams has campaigned for step-free access to be considered, with the Greenfield Rail Action Group calling for a footpath down to the Huddersfield platform from Oldham Road to be restored.
Now rail bosses have confirmed the station is set to receive an upgrade within the next "three to five years", subject to government funding, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
The upgrade has already seen lines electrified to Stalybridge, with Greenfield suffering weeks of closure earlier this year due to the works.
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Mark Ashton, sponsor for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “I can confirm that as part of TRU we are developing options that will provide step-free access to platforms at Greenfield.
“However, station design details are still to be worked through with industry partners and key stakeholders.
“This activity will be commencing early 2024 and will take approximately 18 months to complete, during which time we will be holding engagement events with local authorities, user groups, members of public, etc.
“Delivery of the proposed station enhancement works will be within the next three to five years, subject to appropriate legal consents being granted and full government funding in place.
Local MP 'delighted'
Ms Abrahams said she was "delighted" with the news.
The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP added: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our campaign. This is something I have been pressing for since my election in 2011.
“I will continue to press for greater detail on how this will be achieved and on what timescale.
“I remain wary of any changes given we have had so many promises broken by this Government when it comes to rail, such as the recent cancellation of HS2 and the drastic scaling back of Northern Powerhouse Rail last year.
“Moreover, we must recognise that this is the bare minimum that we deserve and I will continue my campaigns on further improvements at Greenfield Station.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade will improve stations along the route, with more details to be set out in due course.”
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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