REPRESENTATIVES of South Western Railway have been asked to explain why it has still not installed lifts at a station.

BCP Council ward councillor Andy Jones, who has been a key figure in the long-running campaign to improve accessibility at Pokesdown station, said the situation was an “absolute disgrace”.

He has written to the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, and has requested representatives of the firm attend an upcoming council meeting to explain why the project has been delayed.

As part of the agreement to award the franchise to South Western Railway in March 2017 it was required to have the new lifts in place by December 31, 2019.

However, Cllr Jones said the last work carried out was structural surveys in February and March and that no update has been given since.

“It is simply not acceptable for the status quo to continue and certainly not beyond the date agreed in the franchise contract,” he said.

“The fact that so many people are prevented from using the station is an absolute disgrace in this day and age – accessibility for all has to be paramount here.”

He has written to Mr Grayling claiming that his emails to the rail firm are being ignored and asking what sanctions the government will introduce should the December 31 deadline be missed.

Campaigning for the installation of lifts has been ongoing for several years, culminating in a 1,500-signature petition being presented to the government in July 2014.

It has been spearheaded by Pokesdown Community Forum, of which Cllr Jones is a leading figure.

Last year it was announced that lift installation work would begin this summer after the project was included in a £90 million investment programme.

A South Western Railway spokesman said: “We have been trying to establish a safe method of working to assess the condition of the lift shafts at Pokesdown station.

“This involves a detailed survey as well as possibly needing to erect scaffolding in places.

“We are working closely with our partners to ensure the project moves on as quickly, and as safely, as possible.”

Chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny board Cllr Philip Broadhead confirmed on Twitter that he has requested the attendance of representatives of the firm at its July 8 meeting.