DISABLED passengers travelling from Chepstow to Cardiff are being forced to make a round trip via Gloucester due to the station’s lack of disabled access.

Network Rail, the company responsible for access at Chepstow station, is facing criticism from disabled passengers and charities for failing to adhere to legal requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The company describes the station on its website as a ‘partial station’, meaning it is partially accessible for disabled people.

It says: “Customers with wheelchairs travelling towards Newport and Cardiff are advised to book in advance so that arrangements may be made for road transport to the nearest accessible station.

Otherwise, customers should travel to Lydney or Gloucester and change trains.” But local author and multiple sclerosis sufferer, Meg Kington, says this is not acceptable. She said: “They describe the station as ‘partially accessible’, but in fact, if you are using a wheelchair, it is completely inaccessible.

“The staff are always very helpful and understand there is a problem, but the bottom line is the station is not accessible for disabled people.”

Legislation requires all transport authorities to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people can use their services.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: “The railway industry recognises this problem and has come together to address this through several measures.

Among these are efforts by colleagues from train operating companies in providing special arrangements for passengers with wheelchairs, and this is also available at Chepstow.”

She also said the local authority played a part in the matter, as Network Rail would need to apply for planning consent.

A Monmouthshire council spokesman said a study is about to be concluded which will put forward options to improve the facilities, but funding was still to be identified.