THE Department for Transport (DfT) failure to include Alton station in a £370m Access for All programme has led to a move to find an alternative. With a further bidding round for DfT 'small scheme' funding launched last week, the fight is now on to relocate the barrow crossing from the Bentley end of the platform, where it is rendered impassable when a 12-carriage train is in the station, to the country end. Alton MP Michael Mates has taken up the cause and has now received a letter from Under Secretary of State for Transport Tom Harris, outlining where Alton is in the bidding process. Mr Harris said the Access for All Small Schemes budget of £7m a year is up for grabs for 2009/10. Train operators, local authorities and other interested parties are invited to bid for up to £250k, on a match funding basis, to improve access at local stations. While there has been no application as yet for small funding in respect of Alton station, DfT officials have recently visited Alton to discuss the application process with Treloar College, the Alton Line Users Association and Passenger Focus. A feasibility study will consider relocating the crossing point which would make it safer and more accessible for those unable to use the bridge.
