South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded action as new figures reveal 57 per cent of train stations in Dumfries and Galloway are not fully accessible.

New analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that many train stations in the area are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Of Dumfries and Galloway’s 7 train stations, just 3 are fully accessible.

Annan, Dumfries, Kirkconnel and Sanquhar are not.

Responsibility for improving accessibility at Scottish stations is shared by both the UK and the Scottish Government.

The local MSP has been campaigning for improvements in access to local stations. Work is currently being undertaken at Dumfries station but despite funding being secured from the Scottish Government’s Local Rail Development Fund (LRDF) by local Transport Agency, SWestrans, for a feasibility study into making Kirkconnel station more accessible, no commitment has yet been given by the Scottish Government to carry out changes.

At present there is no disabled access on the southbound platform at Kirkconnel station. Wheelchair users are forced to stay on trains from Glasgow until Sanquhar and then change there to get a northbound train back to Kirkconnel.

Wheelchair users boarding trains at Annan station are also currently unable to access both platforms when entering the station at its main entrance on Station Road, and are instead required to cross the bridge on St John’s Road. Likewise at Sanquhar station access to both platforms is not accessible for disabled people through the main entrance to the station.

Colin Smyth has branded these figures a “scandal” and demanded action from both SNP and Tory governments.

Colin Smyth said: “It is shameful that disabled people are still being are locked out of some train stations in Dumfries and Galloway.

“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 half 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.

“Dumfries and Galloway deserves a modern, accessible rail network so our communities can thrive.”