Trust Campaign for Step-Free Access at Bescot Features on ITV News

Walsall Supporters’ Trust’s long-standing campaign to improve disabled access at Bescot Stadium railway station has made it to ITV News, helping to shine a regional spotlight on an ongoing issue affecting hundreds of fans, visitors and residents.

The segment featured Trust board members Helen and Keira, alongside Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, highlighting the lack of step-free access and the urgent need for action at Bescot Station (BSS).

We are incredibly proud that the campaign — driven by the voices of disabled supporters and the wider community — is being heard at the highest levels. The video is a key moment in raising awareness, and we thank ITV for covering it.

MP Update: Funding and Feasibility Progress

Following the broadcast, the Trust also received a detailed update from Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP, who confirmed the following:

1. Feasibility Study Underway: Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has appointed consultants Jacobs to conduct a feasibility study, with results expected in early 2026.
2. Potential £2.4bn Funding: The Secretary of State for Transport has written to MPs about a £2.4bn ‘Transport for City Regions’ settlement, and an additional £376m Local Transport Grant aimed at improving accessibility across the country.
3. Representations to WMCA: Ms Vaz is now seeking clarity on how to make representations to the West Midlands Combined Authority board, which will ultimately decide where this funding is allocated from 2027.
4. Parliamentary Intervention: In a debate on 9 September, Ms Vaz raised a critical question about how disabled passengers are counted in footfall data, highlighting how inaccessible stations like Bescot risk under-reporting usage.
5. Letter to the Mayor: A formal letter has also been sent to Mayor Richard Parker, urging that Bescot Station’s access needs are prioritised in any upcoming investment plans.

A Word from the Trust

This campaign is a clear example of the Trust acting in line with our community benefit purpose as defined in our constitution. We are committed to representing all supporters — including disabled fans — and will continue to lobby, support and pressure key decision-makers until Bescot is accessible to all.