THE transport minister’s planned visit to Pokesdown Railway Station next week has been postponed due to the reshuffle.

Stephen Hammond has been replaced in the role by Claire Perry, who is unable to meet the appointment due to a prior engagement, according to Pokesdown Community Forum.

Campaigners backed by Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood have been calling for the visit to support their efforts to install lifts at the station, which is only accessible via 42 steps.

Forum secretary Andy Jones said he would be liaising with Mr Ellwood’s office to rearrange the visit, as the MP is currently in the United States following his new appointment to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Some 1,300 supporters have signed a petition calling for the lifts, although South West Trains has said the station is not a priority.