With the first of its kind accessible ‘AVA’ bridge due to open in Stowmarket later this month, Diss will become the only station on the London Liverpool Street to Norwich service without step-free access to the opposite platform.
Diss has two platforms: one north bound the other south, connected by a footbridge. Currently, anyone who wants to cross the line to the other platform needs to negotiate a long stairway up to the bridge and down the other side. If you have a disability, are elderly, have young children, have luggage or a bicycle, getting up and down the stairs can be a struggle. This is particularly challenging in the winter or in bad weather. Assistance may be booked in advance, but this is not always possible, practical or available. “I waited over 20 minutes on the phone to speak to someone about whether it was possible to book assistance,” said one train user. “I gave up.”
Diss station
Diss is located 20 miles south of Norwich and 94 miles from London Liverpool Street Station. Built in 1849, it has been a vital link for commuters and goods for over 175 years. Despite its continuous use, very little has been done to upgrade the facilities in recent times. This means that its two platforms are connected by a high multi-stepped footbridge for used by the public including passengers.
The station also has a ‘barrow crossing’ at one end of the platforms for moving luggage or assisting passengers with mobility needs. This can only be used with staff assistance and this is not consistently available.
The station serves not only the people of Diss, but all the local market towns and villages – Eye, Harleston, Roydon, Scole, Dickleburgh to name a few. One traveller commented: “I met one man on the train, who drove from Lowestoft to Diss daily to catch the London train.”
Increased use of Diss station
We have seen a greater use of public transport to help tackle climate change and fuel poverty, and especially since the return to work and resumption of commuting after the pandemic. This has meant an increase in footfall at Diss railway station.
Looking at statistics, 615,118 people used the station in 2023–2024, a daily average of 1,685 passengers, and this is increasing year on year; it is not an underused station. In fact, the increase in use of the Diss station last year was one of the largest on the Norwich–London mainline.
The increase in buses going to the station is welcome, but as they only stop on one side of the station, it is even more important that people can access the northbound platform step free. It’s not uncommon to see elderly people struggle up and down the steps, as well as young mums with toddlers and buggies. Carrying a bicycle over the bridge is a challenge, particularly if you’re not that young. Easy access to both platforms is essential.
Stowmarket, the next stop on the mainline south of Diss, is currently having the country’s first AVA footbridge with integrated lifts installed, and will be operative in the next few weeks. This will make Diss the only station between Norwich and London without step-free platform access. Greater Anglia’s bid for funding to upgrade the Diss station was unsuccessful for the 2024–29 Access for All (AfA) bid. This puts even more pressure on a campaign to prove the need of this vital upgrade for everyone using the station.
The importance of accessible public transport
Greater Anglia has become one of the first railways to be taken back into public ownership. As part of its goal to reach Net Zero, the government’s policy is to encourage everyone to use more public transport. In rural communities, it is hard to leave your car at home, but easier access and facilities will inspire people to do just that.
The Government is clearly keen to upgrade access at all railway stations, but can only achieve that on a phased basis as resources become available. With devolved money to the new Suffolk and Norfolk Mayor, it’s important to demonstrate the need for step free access to both platforms at Diss railway station and show widespread support in our community to enable us to compete for funding.
The campaign
Over the past few months, members of Waveney Valley Constituency Labour Party (CLP) have been collecting signatures for a petition to argue the case for lifts to be installed at the station. We have been engaging with local councillors, organisations and our MP, Adrian Ramsay. We have held street stalls in Diss, Harleston and Eye to discuss the problem with the public and listen to their concerns. We have had a very positive reaction and managed to gather over 1,200 signatures in support.
While the petition was initiated by Waveney Valley CLP, there is broad backing for this initiative and we are gathering support from all interested parties.
The petition has a target of 2,000 signatures, plus endorsements from local councillors and businesses. All will be presented to the Department for Transport and Greater Anglia with support from our local MPs to demand action.
What can you do to help?
- Come and join us at campaign events and help us collect more signatures for the petition. Please contact pam.reekie@gmail.com for information.
- Write to the local newspapers, your councillors and your MP and tell them why it is important to you that Diss station has step-free access to both platforms.
Pam and Ann are members of the Waveney Valley Constituency Labour Party.
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