Concern over long-awaited accessibility upgrade at Hackney Downs station after four-year delay

A package deal of enhancements was promised on the east London station in April 2019, after cash was dedicated for the mission by the Authorities.

On the time, native London Meeting member Jennette Arnold mentioned the “very important funding” will “present a lifeline for these with disabilities and mobility points” – however 4 years on, work has nonetheless not began on the mission.

Following a request from Ms Arnold’s successor, Sem Moema, an replace on the scheme was given on the finish of August by mayor Sadiq Khan’s workplace.

They mentioned: “Transport for London (TfL) is at the moment in discussions with the Division for Transport (DfT) and Community Rail on essentially the most cost-effective solution to ship the scheme.”

The mayor’s workforce instructed {that a} assembly had been organized to debate the matter additional.

They added: “The graduation of the scheme has been delayed partly resulting from land possession points. TfL is searching for affirmation from the DfT that the funding for the scheme will stay accessible after 2024 to safeguard the supply of the mission.”

Ms Moema, a Labour member, mentioned her residents “have been ready for too lengthy for elevate entry and different accessibility enhancements” on the station.

She added: “Community Rail must get a transfer on and type out the problems – and Authorities must take away the specter of retracting the funding so the scheme shouldn’t be misplaced.”

At present, solely the station’s southbound platform has step-free entry, made potential because of an interchange and elevate hyperlink with the close by Hackney Central station. The station’s northbound platform has no step-free entry.

Alex Phillips, TfL’s rail growth supervisor, mentioned in response to Ms Moema: “Accessibility enhancement schemes such because the proposal at Hackney Downs are funded by way of the DfT’s Entry for All fund and managed by Community Rail.

“We’re working intently with the DfT and Community Rail to improve Hackney Downs to a totally accessible station via three lifts.

“We recognize how essential the addition of lifts at Hackney Downs is for our clients and can assist ship this as quickly as potential.”

It’s understood that an accessible rest room may even be offered on the station – which at the moment lacks loos of any sort – however that might be achieved via a individually funded scheme.

The station varieties a part of the London Overground community, however it is usually served by Higher Anglia providers.