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Disabled lift work halted at train station
DISABLED and elderly people will be denied Tube access at Amersham Station after transport bosses confirmed improvement works have been stopped.
The construction of two lifts to allow step-free access to the platforms, which was already underway, has been halted indefinitely as a result of the recession.
Transport for London announced the move following fears from train users, reported in the Examiner last week.
One man said: "I am getting older and the lift would have been easier rather than walking up all of the steps. Now it just seems to be an awful waste of money."
The blow comes following criticism from town councillors over disruption caused by the work, upcoming road closures, and the siting of portable cabins at the site in Station Approach.
Amersham mayor, Martin Phillips, said: "It's a shame, especially as they have caused so much disruption and if they are going to start up again next year. I think it's poor planning - at some point these things have to be put in place. It is going to affect disabled people. If people are being disadvantaged by not being able to enter or exit the station, it is not good for the town."
A Transport for London spokesperson said: "As announced last week in the updated business plan, investment for step-free access schemes on the Tube will be targeted at the stations where they can deliver the greatest benefit for the largest number of customers. Work to provide step-free access at key strategic stations will therefore continue at Green Park, King's Cross St. Pancras, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street and others.
"However due to the pressures on TfL's finances resulting the economic downturn and the financial impact of Metronet's collapse, some projects, including the work at Amersham, have unfortunately had to be deferred."
She added: "TfL is committed to providing a strategic, accessible transport network.
"On London Underground 58 London Underground (LU) stations out of 270 are currently step free. As well as step-free access, features such as induction loops, tactile paving and additional and more visible help and information points will be added to stations as modernisations and refurbishments are completed. LU is also replacing and refurbishing its train fleet, an important element in increasing accessibility."
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This town gateway place will therefore look like a sprawling idled building site for the forseeable future. Station forecourt access much reduced.
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Right by Amersham station, local employer NHBC (National House-Building Council)'s regional HQ in Amersham has had 'To Let' signs up, for months.NHBC shifting from Amersham to Milton Keynes, 'tis said.
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Meanwhile, sports shop in nearby Hill Avenue, Amersham closed recently, after 'stock-taking'. Premises stripped.
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The Amersham exodus continues.
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How blessed, however, are we with the fairy-candle-lit bluebell-strewn idyllic 'Amersham in Bloom' imaged by recipients of our quite onerous local tax payments.
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Don't get me started on the Barn Meadow fiasco and 'BM' items, recently [and most reluctantly] released to Amersham Town Council's website, which is tended by a 'very [self]important' steward of the public purse.
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Let us dedicate a plaque of gratitude to the outgoing steward of our money. Where could it be 'conveniently' placed?
ubu
Oct 2009