LAST year Network Rail gave Herefordshire rail travellers a pleasant surprise with its announcement that new disabled access lifts and footbridge was planned for Hereford Station, replacing the antique footbridge which links platforms. The city’s Grade II station—perched at the northernmost part of the ESG site—is unusual in that it is owned by NR but operated by Arriva Trains.
But once again, lack of forward thinking on the part of ESG means that two golden opportunities to capitalise on this valuable asset have been missed. Next year, hundreds of blind and partially-sighted visitors are due to descend on Hereford, as participants or spectators in the World Blind Football Championships. And in 2012, the Royal College for the Blind is due to play host to at least one of the international teams participating in the 2012 Paralympics.
It is still unclear whether the new structure will be completed in time for the athletes’ arrival.