§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Crosby. [160548]
§ Mr. McNultyMerseytravel Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) is responsible for improving services and facilities for passengers on the Merseyrail network. Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and renewing the infrastructure and will be renewing one mile of track at Blundellsands and Crosby in 2005–06.
The PTE has plans for a number of improvements over the next 10 years. These include upgrading the car park at Blundellsands and Crosby and making the station fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; investigating the provision of a dedicated car park at Hall Road station; providing a lift at Waterloo station to improve accessibility; and upgrading the car park, improving access to the ticket office and improving bus turnaround at Formby station. The waiting room at Formby is being refurbished through the Strategic Rail Authority's Modern Facilities at Stations Programme. In addition, Merseyrail rolling stock will be fully refurbished by the end of 2004. The refurbishment includes the provision of CCTV. dedicated wheelchair spaces and cycle racks.