DISABLED people have difficulty using a number of train stations in Gwent, it has been claimed.

The contract for the Wales and Borders rail franchise, currently held by Arriva Trains Wales, is due to be renewed in April 2018, with the Welsh Government currently out for tender.

But, speaking during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday, February 7, South Wales West AM Dai Lloyd said he had received a number of complaints about problems with disabled access to stations including Cwmbran, Abergavenny and Pontypool.

Carwyn Jones replied he shared concerns around access to stations.

“Two hundred and forty-five stations come under the franchise in England and Wales and only a quarter are staffed at present,” he said.

“We will expect significant improvements to be made as regards access to these stations over the term of the next franchise.”

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay also said he was concerned about the issue.

“What are you doing to make sure that as that new franchise date of 2018, I believe it is, fast approaches, disabled issues really are put at the heart of all this so that, even if they can’t be fully solved when the new franchise starts, a new focus can be put on that so that disabled people in my area in Abergavenny and across Wales do have that access to stations that they deserve?

Mr Jones said the Welsh Government would use the opportunity of the franchise coming up for renewal to ensure all stations were accessible.