PLANS to improve disabled access at 14 Wirral railway stations have been given a Government funding boost.

The £20m fund - shared among 75 stations nationally - is a key part of what transport secretary Grant Shapps described as "levelling-up access for disabled people to transport and opening up opportunities for all".

Bebington, Bidston, Birkenhead Central, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Bromborough Rake, Ellesmere Port, Hamilton Square, Leasowe, New Brighton, Rock Ferry, Wallasey Grove Road, Wallasey Village and West Kirby are among 75 stations, nationally, receiving a share of the cash. thanks to a £20m government fund.

Announcing the fund, Grant Shapps said: "The ability to travel easily from A to B is an essential factor for our day to day lives - but is not the reality for everyone.

"I recognise that we have much more to do, which is why we're making 75 train stations across the North West more accessible - a key part of levelling-up access for disabled people to transport and opening up opportunities for all.

"This is just the start of a much more ambitious agenda.

"My goal is to go much further in the years ahead to help ensure that our country’s transport system becomes one of the most accessible in the world."

These improvements are being made through the Access for All programme which, since 2006, has already made more than 200 stations step free, as well as delivered smaller scale accessibility improvements at more than 1,500 others to improve passenger experience.

Minister for disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: "Everyone using our rail network deserves platforms and toilets they can use and this £20million investment to improve 75 railway stations across the North West will make a huge difference to disabled people.

"This Government is committed to levelling up the playing field and later this year we'll launch a national strategy which will ensure disabled people have equal access to all spheres of life."

This follows the launch of the 'it's everyone's journey' advertising campaign to highlight how we can all play a part in making public transport inclusive.

The campaign is being supported by more than 100 partners, including First Group, WHSmith Travel and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Department for Transport research has shown that behaviours that make public transport a daunting place for disabled people are often unconscious, such as not looking out for a fellow passenger who might need a seat or be in distress.

'It's everyone's journey' will raise awareness about the needs of disabled people when using public transport, particularly people with non-visible impairments, and will also prompt members of the public to think and consider how their behaviour might impact others.

Alongside this, the Department has also launched its Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme, an accreditation scheme which will encourage, celebrate and promote best practice in inclusive transport.