East Putney Tube station ‘nightmare’ for disabled users

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents are fighting for a lift to be built at a Tube station to improve access for disabled people.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson said more than 1,000 people have signed her petition in just a week demanding a lift at East Putney Tube station, which is on the District line.

The Labour MP called the station a “nightmare” for those in wheelchairs and with prams, suitcases and mobility issues.

She said there were already more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network and this Tube stop should join the list.

Wandsworth resident Sarah Orr, a disabled access advocate, said: “A lift would literally transform my ability to use public transport.

“So many local people – those in wheelchairs, those with mobility issues, those with buggies and prams to name a few – are currently excluded from using greener, cheaper public transport. We desperately need to make our networks accessible to everyone.” 

Ms Anderson’s petition to the Secretary of State for Transport, TfL, the Mayor of London and City Hall calls for step-free access at East Putney Station to “increase accessibility for all those wishing to use it”.

Ms Anderson said: “Anyone who has climbed the perilous steps up to each of the platforms will know how steep they are. East Putney has very high user numbers of nearly 6.2 million which mean that there are also very high numbers of people unable to use the station. 

“It is incredibly difficult for disabled people, people with mobility issues and those with buggies and prams to get around our local area. Having a lift installed at the station would open up the network to thousands of residents.”

Mark Evers, TfL’s chief customer officer, said: “We understand the importance of providing step-free access at as many stations as possible.

“Providing step-free access in existing infrastructure is challenging, but the responses to our recent step-free access consultation have shaped our short-term work to improve accessibility and will shape our long-term goals where funding is available.”

City Hall has been contacted but did not comment before publication.

Pictured top: Fleur Anderson MP, Councillor Finna Ayres and local residents campaigning outside East Putney Tube station (Picture: Office of Fleur Anderson)