THE operator of Hough Green train station has admitted that its facility causesmajoraccessproblems for the disabled despite posting signs promoting it as 'wheelchair friendly'.

Disabled Jan Ackerley, of Avondale Drive, Widnes, was left gobsmacked when she went to the station and found herself stuck at the bottom of the steps, unable to get anywhere near the platform.

Mrs Ackerley, 58, who suffered a stroke, has a debilitating condition called COAD and is unable to use her legs, was delighted when friends told her that the station had been modified to improve disabled access, and had a sign up saying so.

She said: 'Outside the train station there is a sign saying that it is wheelchair friendly.

'I was really looking forward to going to Liverpool on the train.

'But I can't get on and off at Hough Green station because of my wheelchair so how can the station be considered wheelchair friendly and why promote it like that?'

She added: 'I want to see better facilities for disabled access at this station - it's not only me but there are other people in wheelchairs and mothers with buggies, too.'

A spokesman for Northern, the company which operates Hough Green station, said: 'Northern appreciates that Hough Green is a difficult station in terms of disabled access and we recommend that customers use other stations with more appropriate facilities whenever possible for their own comfort.

'We have a dedicated travel assistance helpline on 08456 008 008 which is available if they need help getting to another station.'