TRAIN bosses are set to back down over a ban on disabled scooters after a meeting with an East Lancashire access group.

Patricia Day, a spokesman for Hyndburn Access Group, has met the commercial director of First North Western to discuss policies on passengers with mobility problems.

In July, the train company barred Peter Foulkes, of Blackburn, from taking his three-wheel scooter on a First North Western train because a company representative said it was too big and would create a safety problem.

But Mrs Day, who also runs Accrington's Shopmobility with her husband, Richard, feels progress is being made.

She said: "Our meeting went brilliantly. They were very interested in what we had to say and they are putting together a disabled rail persons' travelling procedure which is very eye opening.

"The company is looking at upgrading everything to make it safer for us to travel.

"I feel they are really listening to us now and if First North Western brings in new measures, they could be implemented nationally.

"There are more elderly people now than ever, as well as disabled people who want to be independent and need a chair or scooter for that.

"We understand that implementing changes will take some time but at least now we feel it might actually happen."

Options discussed at the meeting included having a ramp on trains to aid access and having a wheelchair on board to be used by scooter users while their scooter is lifted on.

Suggestions made by Mrs Day will be taken to the Association of Train Operating Companies which is the governing body for railways. Denise Lennox, First North Western commercial director, said: "The meeting with Mrs Day was very helpful.

"She gave us insights into travelling by train from her perspective and we're delighted that she has agreed to meet us again.

"Findings from these meetings will be communicated to ATOC, so that all train operating companies can learn from the issues that are raised.

"Mrs Day recognised that safety must be of overwhelming importance to disabled people and their fellow travellers.

"Trials will be conducted to see how and when scooters may be transported by train."