PROUD staff at a popular Kidderminster attraction which won an award for its work in helping disabled people enjoy its facilities have revealed further improvements are being made.

Severn Valley Railway received a ‘No Barriers’ award last month in recognition of its achievement in improving access to services for people with disabilities in Wyre Forest.

But rather than resting on their laurels, SVR has a number of projects underway that will enhance its accessibility for everyone.

This includes a team at Bewdley working on the restoration of a wheelchair-accessible buffet car for one of the railway’s GWR sets of coaches.

Additionally, the Department for Transport awarded £75,000 towards restoring another wheelchair-accessible coach, and creating a unique first class dining car for wheelchair users and their companions.

The SVR Charitable Trust is funding restorations as part of the ‘Access for All’ initiative, to further improve facilities for people with disabilities at the railway.

SVR volunteer Glenys Wrench, who nominated the attraction for the award and has worked on the train buffet team for three years, said: ““Every day people here really are making the difference for disabled visitors.

“The platform staff are always fantastic about helping people use the access ramps to get on board the trains, and we have so many visitors from disability clubs, who always seem to enjoy themselves immensely.

“One thing that’s been particularly wonderful for me has been working alongside another volunteer with hearing difficulties.

“It’s great to see that this gentleman’s contribution is valued just as much as everyone else’s. He doesn’t get special treatment as such, and he doesn’t want it. He just wants to do the job, and here he can.”

The ‘No Barriers’ awards were set up in memory of District Councillor Mike Oborski, and are made annually to recognise local businesses, organisations and individuals who have gone the extra mile for people with disabilities, when it’s not part of their usual role.

If anyone would like to help fund carriage restoration or another aspect of the SVR’s heritage operation, they can donate online at www.svrtrust.org.uk.