A DISABLED woman claims Benfleet rail station is out of bounds to wheelchair users in the evenings.

Claire Murray says she has been stranded on the station platform because staff have forgotten to leave the gate to a disabled ramp open when they have left.

Miss Murray, 38, who suffers from spina bifida, has made numerous complaints to the station manager, who assured her the gate would be left open after 6pm.

However, she claims nothing has changed.

Miss Murray, of Manor Road, Benfleet, said: “I feel likeIam on a curfew because I cannot use the station after hours.

“The last time it happened was last Saturday. I went to London and told the staff I would be back on the last train and they assured me the gates to the disabled ramp would be left open.

“When I returned, they were closed. Luckily, I was with my brother-in-law who could lift me down.

“If he had not been there, I would have been completely stranded. This has happened to me a few times.

“I have written to c2c and the station manager a number of times, and they have assured me the gates will be left open.

“I am worried about it and feel this is something that needs looking at.

“There will be other disabled people out there who feel they cannot use this station in the evening.”

Rail company c2c has said sorry to Ms Murray for the mistakes.

A spokesman said: “We apologise to Ms Murray for this incident. We are taking action to ensure there will not be a repeat and will be offering her a gesture in recognition of the inconvenience she has been caused.