Disabled access issues at Ayrshire train stations branded a 'scandal'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

New figures have revealed that just 50 per cent of train stations in East Ayrshire, and 78 per cent in South Ayrshire, are not fully accessible.Fresh analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that many train stations in the area are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.Of East Ayrshire’s six train stations, just three are fully accessible - Auchinleck, Kilmaurs and New Cumnock.And in South Ayrshire, only two of the area’s nine stations are fully accessible.However, Ayr, Barassie, Barrhill, Girvan, Newton-on-Ayr, Prestwick Town and Troon are not.At present, services at Ayr station continue to be affected by the recent fire in the former Ayr Station Hotel.Responsibility for improving accessibility at Scottish stations is shared by both the UK and the Scottish Government.South Scotland Labour List MSP, Colin Smyth, branded the figures a 'scandal' and has demanded action from both SNP and Tory governments.He said: “It is shameful that disabled people are still being are locked out of some train stations in parts of Ayrshire.“The Tories and the SNP Government’s both have a responsibility to make sure our train stations are fit for purpose – but both have failed miserably with many of our local stations either almost completely or partly inaccessible for disabled passengers.“Our two governments must work better together to design a real plan to end this scandal and ensure rail travel is accessible to everyone.”He added: “My constituents in Ayrshire deserve a modern, accessible rail network so our communities can thrive.”A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “All disabled people must be able to travel with freedom, choice, dignity, and opportunity.“Rail accessibility is reserved to the UK Government and, while we