In response to Lorna Low's letter about access to the downside platform at Dorchester South station (Dorset Echo, June 1) may I make these comments as a Friend of South station (a group recognised and supported by South West Railway).

The Friends are always seeking to do small things to improve the station (we planted the daffodil and other bulbs on the down side last autumn) and we keep pressing for the promised larger works of improvement to be carried out.

The station was recently repainted and new lighting in the carpark and on the platforms is in progress now.

The replacement of the footbridge and installation of a lift is a much larger project.

At a recent meeting with South West Railway managers, County and Town council members and our MP, Chris Loder, we were told that funding for this has been applied for; this involves the Department of Transport and Dorchester is in competition with many other similar requests so we can only await a decision on this.

Chris Loder is actively supporting our application through appropriate channels in London.

Even if we get the funding, there would be a lot of detailed planning to go through so the finished bridge may be a while in coming!

How many years did it take to get the ramp installed at Dorchester West? But at least the need for the lift is acknowledged and funding is - well, possible.

Meanwhile, all Sunday down trains (except one) now use the up platform and on other days, if a request is made to the guard early in the journey, this request can be passed to the signalman (sorry, signaller) at Dorchester to route the train to that platform provided of course that there is no London-bound train scheduled at the time.

If you want to join the currently small group of Friends please contact me through the Echo.

Robert Potter

Copper Crescent, Dorchester