Rail passengers in Flint now benefit from step-free access between platforms following the completion of a £5.5 million accessibility upgrade.

The new lifts were officially opened on Thursday 2 October by Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, alongside representatives from Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Flint Town Council, and local stakeholders. Councillor Russ Davies, Mayor of Flint, Councillor Norma Davies, Mayoress of Flint, and Hannah Blythyn MS for Delyn also attended the ceremony.

Funded through the Department for Transport's Access for All programme and delivered by contractor AmcoGiffen, the project has delivered a range of improvements in addition to the lifts. These include:

• New tactiles and emergency refuge points on platforms

• Reconfigured car park to ensure accessible spaces are close to the drop-off point

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• Upgraded station lighting

• Repositioning of the landmark foot sculpture, a key access point for the National Cycle Network in Wales

The investment means passengers who find steps a barrier can now move easily between platforms 1 and 2. It also completes a major section of step-free travel along the North Wales Coast, with every station served by Avanti West Coast between Holyhead and London now offering accessible interchange.

Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director, Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: "Making our railway more accessible is one of the most important things we can do. Step-free access benefits everyone - disabled people, those travelling with children, passengers carrying luggage - simply making it an easier journey for all.

"At Flint, we're proud to have delivered this multi-million-pound transformation safely, and in partnership with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, AmcoGiffen and Flintshire County Council - another step towards a simpler, better, greener railway."

Adrian Carrington, Head of Station Infrastructure for Transport for Wales, added: "Improving accessibility is at the heart of our commitment to delivering a truly inclusive transport network for all of Wales. This new lift at Flint station, along with a range of enhancements, ensures that all our customers can travel more easily and confidently.

"This upgrade removes a key barrier between platforms for those with reduced mobility and will help make travel more seamless for everyone."