Agenda item

A number of issues were discussed, following queries which were raised with Network Rail at a previous forum meeting (Feb 2013);

Why are two lifts not being provided within the station building?

There are four 16 person capacity lifts within the station building, two of which providing access to the platforms, and two within the building (one for public and one for goods/staff). These lifts are accessible, with the buttons for the lifts placed at an accessible height and located in a clear and accessible space.

The lifts are designed to meet the requirement of the pedestrian flow modelling survey/report undertaken during the design process.

It was confirmed that tactile controls and audio announcements will be included in the lifts, further detail around these elements will be confirmed by Network Rail at a later date.

What alternative access will be provided if the lift breaks down?

There will be assistance phone lines in each lift. If there is a maintenance issue there is another lift available within the staff area – this is easy to access and staff will be able to assist those who need to use it. A forum member asked what would be in place to assist if the lifts to the platforms break down.  MJ advised that questions such as this which are about the operation of the station should be directed to London Midland. However, the forum was advised that there will be an emergency access gate which will go directly from the drop off point to the platforms.

ACTION: Invite London Midland to the next forum meeting to discuss these operational issues.

A forum member asked whether there will be regular times that the lifts are out of action due to servicing regimes.

ACTION: MJ will provide a response to this question from Stannah at a later date.

Were alternatives to a lift/stair solution explored, including the use of an escalator?

MJ advised that alternatives were explored, however it was decided that an escalator would not be included due to the maintenance issues and costs.

A forum member asked why steps have been included into the design, and not a level access. Network Rail advised that a number of designs were considered. The final design has been a balance between different options, but the preferable option has been taken forward.

Will there be ‘assistance points’ in the station and on the platform?

This question should be raised with London Midland.

Where will disabled parking be located if/when the new MSCP is built?

The MSCP is not part of this current scheme, and therefore Network Rail were unable to comment on these plans. Currently drop off access is at the front door of the building, and in the future accessible parking will be located in the area closest to the building. The main entrance of the building is at the back, opposite the current buildings main entrance.

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Design of the building was also discussed. Visual contract has been considered in the design, with a clear large space which is easy to navigate inside lit by natural light. With reference to the furniture design, it was agreed that Network Rail and London Midland would engage with Northamptonshire Association for the Blind, outside of the forum, to ensure that furniture is accessible to people with visual impairment. NAB also would like to engage with London Midland when signage is being designed.

The new station building will be open on Sunday 24^th August – the demolition of the old building will then start as soon as possible. The taxi point and cycle area will then take the place of the old station – the estimated completion date for this is February 2015.

The forum agreed that there needs to be a communication strategy for disabled people in Northampton to know how to access the building on the opening day.

ACTION: AM to contact other disabled people’s organisations around the borough, to discuss how we can work together with Network Rail in communicating with disabled people around the town.

The forum requested that they are included in consultation for Phase Two site developments