Susan Charlton, of Woolerton Crescent, Wendover, contacted The Bucks Herald after she was told she could not get the train to Aylesbury because it was not possible to cross the lines to the northbound platform in her mobility scooter. She has had to rely on the public's good will in the past to get where she wants to be.

Mrs Charlton recently came out of hospital with mobility difficulties and she uses a scooter, wheelchair and walking sticks.

The problems started when she discovered that she could not get to the platform to take her to Aylesbury and would have to travel to Stoke Mandeville to get a train.

Mrs Charlton said: "On one occasion I was on a train and wanted to get off but I couldn't because the ramp was so rusty. The conductor then had to ask members of the public to manhandle me off the train and I just don't think that's on.

She added: "I went down to the Chiltern Railway offices in the end because I couldn't get through on the phones and I spoke to someone who said there are plans to do work on the station. As soon as I mentioned that I have contacted the newspaper he said there was no need for the papers to be involved – I think it helped."

Chiltern Railways has agreed to pay for a taxi for Mrs Charlton to travel to her nearest accessible station.

In a statement, Chiltern Railways said: "At Chiltern Railways we work hard to ensure that all our passengers, including those with special travel needs, experience the same ease of access and journey comfort.
"If you want to travel to or from a station which is not easily accessible we'll assist you whether you're disabled or simply appreciate a helping hand. As long as you give us 24 hours advance notice of your needs we can make special arrangements."

Chiltern Railways says it is trying to improve access to trains and platforms on its network but until then it will provide taxis for disabled passengers to its nearest accessible station in the direction of travel or to their destination.

Anyone wishing to use this service should contact the customer service line on 08456 005165 between 7am and 8pm and more information is available at www.chilternrailways.co.uk

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