ScotRail has vowed to “explore any possible options that would improve accessibility” at Barrhead railway station after concerns were raised by an MSP and disability campaigner.
Politician Neil Bibby and Savio D’Souza are both calling for the internal door at the ticket office to be replaced with an automatic one.
Savio told the Barrhead News: “Inside Barrhead station, there's this big, heavy door that someone who is in a wheelchair has to try and pull open to get through.
“They're expecting someone in a wheelchair to either pull that door open or go around underneath the footbridge to the other side. It just seems madness.
“It's hard for ordinary people to pull it, never mind ordinary people in a wheelchair or if you got buggy."
Mr Bibby, meanwhile, said he had recently written to ScotRail to raise concerns about the accessibility of Barrhead Station.
“I understand that there was a previous commitment for the door to be replaced with an automatic one and would call on ScotRail to take the action necessary to ensure the station is accessible for all,” he added.
The station is due to reopen tomorrow (Friday, July 4) following a month-long closure which saw engineers work around the clock to deliver key upgrades to prepare the line for electrification.
The £63million project has included also upgrades at another four stations - Kennishead, Priesthill and Darnley, and Nitshill.
At the latter, work has been carried out to remove the footbridge at Nitshill station and replace it with a ramp which will provide step-free access to platform two.
ScotRail said it was not aware of any plans to replace the door referred to at Barrhead station, but it is something that is now being explored and feedback will be provided to Mr Bibby when that process is completed.
David Lister, safety, engineering and sustainability director, said: “ScotRail is committed to making sure that all rail users have equal access, and Barrhead station does have step-free access to both platforms without the use of the door.
“We recognise the importance of listening to, and acting on feedback from our customers and stakeholders, and will explore any possible options that would further improve accessibility at the station.”
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