Trust call for disabled access at Bescot railway station that serves football fans

The Walsall Supporters Trust has been at the forefront of advocating for improved disabled access at Bescot Station, a vital transport hub for football fans attending matches at the nearby Poundland Bescot Stadium. In a significant move, Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, alongside Trust members, recently engaged with key stakeholders—Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM)—to press the urgent need for better facilities at this station.

Currently, despite having disabled parking spaces, Bescot Station lacks essential accessibility features such as lifts or ramps, forcing passengers to navigate stairs to access the platforms. This situation has particularly impacted wheelchair-using football supporters, who find themselves having to travel to central Walsall and use alternative means to reach the stadium, a clear deterrent to their matchday experience.

Highlighting the community’s voice, Mrs Vaz presented a compelling petition in the House of Commons on October 24, which was supported by 474 signatures. The petition underscored the station’s significant usage, with over 90,000 passengers between 2021 and 2022, many of whom are fans of Walsall FC and Aston Villa Women FC, as well as visitors to the popular Sunday market hosted there.

The Trust, with the backing of its secretary Ray Dale and disabled supporters officer Helen Thorpe-Wood, is determined to see real change. Their dedication to this cause reflects the wider community’s desire for a more inclusive and accessible public transport system that truly serves everyone.