The public toilets at Beverley station have been closed for more than a year, causing daily frustration for residents, shoppers and visitors to the town.
With the toilets shut, passengers have been directed away from the station to M&S Walk instead.
That extra walk may not sound much, but for older people, families or anyone short on time, it is enough to risk missing a train altogether. For a busy market town and a key rail station, that simply is not good enough.
The issue was raised with Graham by Beverley in Bloom, who had worked hard to get action but were getting nowhere. After hearing from them, Graham wrote directly to East Riding Council, Arch Company and Network Rail to press for progress and get clear answers on what was holding things up.
East Riding Council confirmed that the building owner, Arch Company, is responsible for the repairs, with delays caused by structural works, listed building consent, access for scaffolding and asbestos surveys. Network Rail has now confirmed to Graham that contractors are attending the site to assess the damage and prepare full costings so repairs can move forward.
Graham says the situation has gone on for far too long and that basic facilities at a busy station should not be allowed to fall into disrepair.
There is no public consultation at this stage, but Graham will continue to press for a clear timetable and keep local people updated.
Graham said: “These toilets have been shut for over a year, which is simply not good enough for Beverley. People are being sent out of the station and across to M&S Walk, and that can easily mean missing a train.
“Beverley in Bloom did the right thing by pushing for answers, and when they hit a wall they came to me. I have written to everyone involved to get this moving, and we are now finally seeing action. I will keep the pressure on until the toilets are reopened, and people get the basic facilities they expect.”
Sue Dyer of Beverley in Bloom said: “Beverley Station has hundreds of thousands of people coming through it every year, and it’s a pleasure to help the station, and the whole town, look its best.
“Beverley in Bloom is at the station regularly from March to October and it’s a real issue for us that these loos have been closed.
“So I’m so grateful to Graham that he’s been able to help and I look forward to the facilities being open once again!”
