DISABLED access at the only station in the Tees Valley without any form of step-free access could go ahead as a funding bid is prepared.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham is calling on Stockton Borough Council, Northern Rail and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to work together to make the vital disability improvements to Billingham Railway Station.

Stockton Council has made improvements but the station's classification as a bottom-tier station means it has previously missed out on the Government's 'Access for All' funding pot. Following changes to the criteria the council, along with Northern Rail, is now carrying out feasibility work ahead of a bid.

Mr Cunningham said: "A project to correct the failures of the past at Billingham would be very welcome. I know the council has worked hard to make improvements but time and again the lack of Government cash has thwarted them."

He said he hoped council leaders and the Tees Valley Mayor would back the bid to secure the cash.