A DISABLED train passenger was locked in a railway station – and had to call 999 to help him get out.
Stuart Flett, from Barrow, was stuck on the platform at Oxenholme station for over an hour and said he had started to turn hypothermic.
Avanti West Coast apologised and told Mr Flett that systems would be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
He was offered a full £86 refund for the ticket, plus free travel to his next two hospital appointments in London over the next 12 months.
The 59-year-old had been on onboard the 7:30 pm Avanti West Coast service direct from London Euston to Oxenholme station on October 1.
His train was due to arrive at 10:11pm when it became delayed for 84 minutes following a change of driver at Preston.
“Due to the station staff, I found myself locked on the platform,” he said.
“The train arrived at the northbound platform but my car was parked in the station car park adjacent to the southbound platform.
"I was therefore making my way to the exit via the underpass. Due to mobility issues, this took longer than it would have for an able-bodied passenger.”
Mr Flett, who suffers from a neuromuscular disease, had travelled down to the capital for a specialist hospital appointment.
“It was a chaotic journey, and I was getting very cold,” he said.
“I had to huddle up by the gate to keep warm. If I get cold, it affects me really badly.
“I desperately needed the toilet as well but the disabled toilets were locked. My radar key wouldn’t open it.”
He said he was forced to ring 999 as there was no other way for him to get out of the station.
“There were two passengers that got off the train at Oxenholme; me and another woman,” he explained. “The station staff clearly overlooked me.
“I was in carriage A. I can’t walk very fast so it took me ages to get to the platform. Luckily I had enough battery left on my phone to ring the police.
“They didn’t know what to do at first, but they rang me back and told me they had got hold of Avanti and the key holder so someone could come and let me out.
“Even with the help of the police there was still a considerable delay before help arrived.
“It was 12.42 am when I left the car park.”
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