Network Rail has teamed up with Bristol Sight Loss Council (BSLC) to launch a first-of-its-kind audio guide for Bristol Temple Meads station, to assist blind and partially sighted people with wayfinding.

Navigating Bristol Temple Meads for blind and partially sighted people has become more challenging since the start of Network Rail’s work to renovate the station’s historic train shed roof. Scaffolding towers have been erected in parts of the station and some areas have become one way only or temporarily closed for access.

Emma Hughes, Director of Services,Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:

 “Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted members, work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of services. They use their lived experience to create powerful change within our communities, working in partnership with others to create this change."

Coral Thomas, Accessibility Mentor, GWR, said: 

“GWR is passionate about making its trains and stations accessible to all. Bristol Temple Meads is undergoing some major refurbishments and anything that can be done to assist customers as they make their way through the station is a real positive."

Councillor Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

 “I’d like to congratulate Network Rail, together with the Bristol Sight Loss Council, for developing this detailed audio guide. I hope it will be useful for blind and partially sighted visitors, helping them to travel independently to Bristol and beyond.”