Raynes Park railway station finally set for step-free access

Raynes Park railway station has been earmarked for funding to provide step-free access, in a major win for residents and campaigners.

Inclusion on the Access for All fund list, announced on Friday, means funding will be given to the railway company to conduct feasibility studies on making the station fully accessible.

South Croydon, served by Southern rail and Kidbrooke, served by Southeastern, have also been listed by the Government for funding to improve access to station platforms.

“Our stations should be accessible for everyone”, said Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrat councillor and parliamentary candidate for Wimbledon.

“Parents with prams and people with mobility issues have for too long been ignored and left unable to make use of their local station. I am proud to have played my part, alongside hundreds of local campaigners including local Liberal Democrats, in securing this massive step forward for them.”

The station is only accessible via a steep staircase, which makes it almost impossible for people with mobility problems or parents with prams to use.

In  2018, Liberal Democrat councillors succeeded in getting a council motion passed that committed council bosses to taking action to secure step-free funding at stations across Merton.

A further meeting between Liberal Democrat councillors and the then leader of the council secured matching funding from the council.

Their work has already succeeded in getting funding for step-free access at Motspur Park station in 2020, with work beginning in 2023.

Pictured top: The staircase at Raynes Park station (Picture: Merton Liberal Democrats)