A PROJECT to install lifts at Pokesdown railway station has been delayed again.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the campaign to have lifts installed at the station began in 2011 but has faced numerous delays.

The issue has been the subject of petitions, protests and even a campaign song over the past 13 years.

In September 2023, it was confirmed design work and costings were underway and, provided work could be completed within budget, the project would go ahead.

However, the campaign has now been hit with its latest setback, with work now expected to cost more than the allocated funds.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway said: “South Western Railway, Network Rail, and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council continue to work in partnership with the Department for Transport to progress and deliver the proposed refurbishment of lifts and the footbridge at Pokesdown Station.

“Design work and the construction tendering process have now been completed, but these market-led estimates have indicated an anticipated final cost that currently exceeds the total available budget for the project.

Petitioners at the station in 2014

“As is being seen widely across the construction industry at present, costs have risen, largely due to inflation and the complexity of the site at Pokesdown, not least the limited access and space constraints.

“However, South Western Railway, Network Rail, BCP Council and the Department for Transport remain fully committed to delivering this scheme and are now working at pace to review the options available to progress the project in the most efficient, timely and cost effective way.”

Ward councillor, Eleanor Connolly, said: “This is what I was afraid of.

“As councillors we have been asking about the risks from rising costs for some time now and it’s a real blow that costs are proving to be higher than budgeted for.”

Fellow ward councillor George Farquhar welcomed the commitment from the three organisations to the project.

“There has been quite a journey,” Cllr Farquhar said.

“But my tenacity to ensure that two accessible lifts are installed and commissioned remains the same.

“That has been my purpose all the way through.”