A local disabled couple has reacted to the lift closure at Bermondsey station saying it is unfair for those who rely on it and is stopping people from leaving the house.
Cllr Rachel Bentley, Deputy Leader for the Southwark Liberal Democrats has been advocating on their behalf and said the work seems to be taking an ‘unduly long time’. She told us: “Having the sole lift at Bermondsey Station out of action for six months will hurt those who rely on step-free access like Mr Duke, as well as those with buggies and pushchairs.
“Of course, we need to maintain and upgrade the facilities at our underground stations but this work seems to be taking an unduly long time. In recent years, we’ve seen significant accessibility improvements by TfL but there is still much more to be done to ensure that everyone can get around London safely and comfortably.
“The Mayor says London is a place for everyone but all too often, those who need step-free access have to take longer journeys which wastes their time and can deter people from going out at all.”
Commenting Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon said: “Londoners with disabilities and mobility problems still face far too many barriers when it comes to accessing public transport across the Capital.
“The lack of adequately accessible public transport contributes hugely to issues of loneliness in our city, especially among the elderly and those with disabilities.
“It shouldn’t be this way and the fact that Transport for London cannot carry out this maintenance work any faster just isn’t good enough.”
We asked TfL the reason for the six-month closure of the lift.
A TfL spokesperson said: “We are sorry for the disruption caused by the closure of the lift at Bermondsey station. The lift is over 24 years old and is reaching the end of its working life. We are replacing the lift as part of our rolling replacement programme, to ensure safe and reliable step-free access at the station for many years to come.”