Make stations step-free as a priority

Shared from Camden New Journal

LETTER

 VOLUNTEERS and users from Crossroads Women’s Centre took part in the protest outside Kentish Town tube because we all need a lift: mums and nans with buggies, carers of all genders, older people, anyone carrying heavy shopping or luggage.

None of the three Kentish Town stations are accessible, which means going to Camden Road to get on the transport network. Making all stations step-free must be the priority. We’re glad to see that Herman Tribelnig of Camden Town Urban Design Improvement Society (Could the old station be reopened?, June 29) highlighted the possibility of using the disused Kentish Town South station. At least someone is thinking creatively about the resources which are already there.

Together with the National Federation of the Blind UK, Association of British Commuters and RMT, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, we are fighting closure of ticket offices, which are key to getting disability assistance, reliable in-person travel information and discounts, and to keep staff on platforms and guards on trains. The job cuts and multi-tasking which the rail companies want to impose on workers are a danger to passengers left to struggle and more at risk of injury and death.

We raised the need for a lift at Kentish Town tube at the Greater London Authority quarterly meeting with disability organisations and reps. Deputy mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard tried to pass it on to a rep from the independent disabled users’ group which advises Transport for London. We demanded the GLA equalities team support us, not leave it to disabled passengers to pursue. Dr Weekes-Bernard then said they would discuss it and she would put Camden Disability Action, Inclusion London and WinVisible in touch with officials at TfL. We wait to hear; don’t let us down, we won’t go away!

Claire Glasman, Emny Kadri, WinVisible