TRANSPORT chiefs have come under fire this week over the ongoing issue of disabled access to Platform 9 at Stirling Station.

Wee County commuters, who are unable to ascend a flight of stairs, can find themselves trapped there when arriving into the city from Alloa.

Figures from 2016 show that the vast majority of services arriving into Stirling from Clacks will stop off on Platform 9, which can be accessed only by the staircase that connects to the main station concourse.

However, those with mobility issues, as well as commuters with a pram or even those with large cases or shopping bags, can find getting to the train difficult, if not impossible.

While it is said that more Alloa-Stirling trains now arrive into Platform 6, where there is a lift nearby, concerns have been voiced about any increased demand on platforms in the future.

Cameron Little, from Alloa Community Council, said the issue had been going on for around eight years with little progress being made.

He added: "It's not just about access for disabled people, it's anyone with heavy cases as well. I've seen women on occasion having to lift prams down the stairs just to get to the train.

"There is a taxi service, but the majority of people don't know that and arrive on Platform 9 and face having to climb up those steps to get out, if they can.

"In 2019, they are going to increase the service to half-hourly and electrify the line. This will increase the demand on station platforms and what we want to do is future proof the issue.

"It's fine putting the stations into Platform 6 if you can do so every time. But our worry is that come 2019, with an increase in demand, we will be back to square one."

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "It is unbelievable that nothing has been done with Platform 9 yet – this is an issue that has been going on for years.

"When you travel anywhere in Scotland you should reasonably expect access on and off any platform you arrive on.

"It's nonsensical to have a platform that some people cannot get to or get off of. I will be writing to the transport minister to see where we are with this."

According to an Freedom of Information request, a total of 4015 services from 6795 arrived at Platform 9, showing a greater proportional increase from previous years.

However, Keith Brown MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane said fewer trains are now using the same platform and hopes to ensure all Alloa trains arrive at Platform 6 in the future.

He said: "The accessibility of Platform 9, where many of the trains from Alloa arrived when the line was first re-opened, is an issue that I have worked on since 2008.

"The closure of Longannet Power Station in 2016 gave Network Rail the opportunity to put a new timetable in place and from 11 December 2016, 82.5 per cent of all services now stop at Platform 6 – this is a vast improvement.

"I am now pushing Network Rail to ensure that 100 per cent of trains use Platform 6 in future, representing a clearly beneficial outcome for my constituents."

A ScotRail Alliance spokesman added: "We understand the inconvenience alighting at Platform 9 can cause some passengers and we are currently reviewing access within Stirling station as part of our wider investment in central Scotland's railway.

"To ensure customers with mobility issues can use our services easily, we provide a taxi service between Alloa and Stirling stations. Information about how to access this service is available on the ScotRail and National Rail Enquiries websites, or by calling our assisted travel line on 0800 9122901."