NETWORK Rail are finally ready to help parents with prams and disabled travellers to access the south-bound platform at Rosyth train station.

Trying to catch a service to Edinburgh from the town has proved a major ordeal for some passengers with only a steep set of stairs providing access.

But that problem looks set to end with Network Rail submitting a planning application to Fife Council for new ramps to be built.

The company explained, "Access at Rosyth station is currently gained by a road bridge with stepped access between platforms.

"It is proposed to construct Equality Act compliant ramps from the road bridge to provide step-free access to platform level; the existing arrangements will be altered and supplemented to create revised routes including stair and ramp/path accesses." The proposed improvements are a new ramp, stairs and lighting at platform one (south-bound) and a new pedestrian ramp and lighting at platform two. Network Rail have also applied for a change of use for two pieces of land, one owned by Fife Council and the other by the Alfred Stewart Property Foundation, to allow them to complete the "essential works".

The access issue has dragged on for years with wheelchair users having to use the north-bound platform and going around the Fife Circle, or changing at Dunfermline, if they wanted to travel from Rosyth to Edinburgh. Not surprisingly, many opt to use other stations or alternative transport.

In January 2012, it was announced that Rosyth was one of five stations to benefit from �9.5million from the UK Government's �370m 'Access for All' funding scheme.

If the plans are approved by the council, work should start in the Autumn.

John Stirling, the chairman of Disabilities Fife, said, "I haven't had the chance to study the plans but any improvement to access for disabled people is welcome."