Disabled Passenger Trapped at Station Calls for Platform Intercoms

A railway passenger with a disability, who found himself confined within a train station until the early morning, has advocated for the installation of intercom systems on platforms. Stuart Flett remained stuck at Oxenholme railway station in Kendal, Cumbria, for more than 60 minutes after his train experienced a delay and station personnel secured the premises before his departure. Mr Flett, a resident of Barrow-in-Furness, stated that he resorted to contacting the police for assistance because he was unable to connect with anyone at Avanti West Coast. The rail service provider confirmed it had issued an apology to Mr Flett. While acknowledging the apology as “welcome”, Mr Flett reiterated his demand for emergency intercoms on platforms and improved accessibility for disabled restrooms. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament representing Westmorland and Lonsdale, characterized Mr Flett’s ordeal as “appalling” and “unacceptable for any passenger.” He further noted that this incident marked the third occasion he was aware of individuals becoming stranded at the station. Mr Flett reached Oxenholme around 23:30 BST on 1 October, following his train’s delay at Preston for 90 minutes. He was returning from a medical appointment in London and observed that only two individuals disembarked the train at the northbound platform. Mr Flett, who experiences mobility challenges due to a neuromuscular condition, proceeded through the underpass in the direction of the car park adjacent to the southbound platform when he discovered he had been locked inside. “No station staff were visible. The station looked like it was functional, the lights were on, but everything else was locked,” Mr Flett recounted. He added, “There was a big chain around the gate and a padlock.” His thoughts were, “I can’t get out. And I need the toilet.” He attempted to contact Avanti but reported being unable to reach anyone, prompting him to dial 101 to arrange assistance. Ultimately, he was able to depart at 00:42 BST. Mr Flett stated that a staff member was present on each platform when he initially disembarked the train. He elaborated, “Clearly the time it took me to cross from the northbound platform, down around to the underpass, through the underpass, back up the other side, the staff have looked round the station and thought ‘well, that’s everybody gone’ so they’ve just locked up and went home.” A representative for Avanti West Coast confirmed that the company had communicated with Mr Flett to offer an apology and provide an explanation for the occurrence. The spokesperson stated, “We have looked at the incident thoroughly, including reviewing CCTV footage, and have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again.”