I REFER to your story about the renovation of Rishton Railway Station (LET, June 3). Is it not about time that Railtrack considered the needs of the disabled and others at this station? It is not possible for those who use wheelchairs or mothers with prams to use the westbound platform, and there is no provision to cross the railway line.

If a disabled person in a chair wishes to go to Blackburn or Preston and beyond by train, they have firstly to go to Accrington (Church and Oswaldtwistle station has flights of stairs), and if the station is manned, they can seek help to cross the line.

If not, they have two choices: either to go down the long ramp to Blackburn Road, continue towards the town centre, then a long walk (or push) up Eagle Street, or remain on the train and go to Huncoat where they can easily access the other platform. Then wait for another train to take them back.

Likewise people travelling from the Burnley and Accrington area have to go into Blackburn and then catch a returning train, where they can use the eastbound platform of Rishton station.

Is it not time that Railtrack should be aware of the new Act of Parliament which comes into force in October of this year, which clearly states that access must be available to all? Perhaps this is yet another reason why more people do not use the trains in the area.

Perhaps the Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club can bring pressure on the authorities to do something about this severe problem to the disabled and those mothers who have pushchairs.

Name and address received.

FOOTNOTE: A First North Western spokesman said: "Our Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP) sets out our commitment and what we are doing to improve access for everyone.

"Rishton Station is a difficult station as the westbound platform is not accessible by road and can only be reached by a footbridge. We would recommend that customers use another station with more appropriate facilities whenever possible for their own comfort. If they need assistance getting to another station we are always happy to help them. In relation to Rishton Station the nearest alternatives are Blackburn and Accrington, which do have more suitable facilities."

I REFER to your story about the renovation of Rishton Railway Station (LET, June 3). Is it not about time that Railtrack considered the needs of the disabled and others at this station? It is not possible for those who use wheelchairs or mothers with prams to use the westbound platform, and there is no provision to cross the railway line.

If a disabled person in a chair wishes to go to Blackburn or Preston and beyond by train, they have firstly to go to Accrington (Church and Oswaldtwistle station has flights of stairs), and if the station is manned, they can seek help to cross the line.

If not, they have two choices: either to go down the long ramp to Blackburn Road, continue towards the town centre, then a long walk (or push) up Eagle Street, or remain on the train and go to Huncoat where they can easily access the other platform. Then wait for another train to take them back.

Likewise people travelling from the Burnley and Accrington area have to go into Blackburn and then catch a returning train, where they can use the eastbound platform of Rishton station.

Is it not time that Railtrack should be aware of the new Act of Parliament which comes into force in October of this year, which clearly states that access must be available to all? Perhaps this is yet another reason why more people do not use the trains in the area.

Perhaps the Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club can bring pressure on the authorities to do something about this severe problem to the disabled and those mothers who have pushchairs.

Name and address received.

FOOTNOTE: A First North Western spokesman said: "Our Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP) sets out our commitment and what we are doing to improve access for everyone.

"Rishton Station is a difficult station as the westbound platform is not accessible by road and can only be reached by a footbridge. We would recommend that customers use another station with more appropriate facilities whenever possible for their own comfort. If they need assistance getting to another station we are always happy to help them. In relation to Rishton Station the nearest alternatives are Blackburn and Accrington, which do have more suitable facilities."