Step-free access for more communities in Merton

· by · in Community and Housing, Environment and Regeneration, Future Merton, Health and social care, Merton Together, Traffic and Highways, Transport. ·
Wimbledon Park station, step-free since 2021

Making public transport accessible for everyone, which will help to make Merton’s future sustainable and allow residents with mobility issues to travel, is one of the key commitments of Merton Council.

We’ve been working hard to make it easier for people with mobility restrictions to use our stations, and to increase the number of stations in Merton with step-free access.

Council Leader Ross Garrod recently wrote to the Transport Minister, Huw Merriman, about plans for the redevelopment of Wimbledon Chase Station. The Leader appealed for government to use the Access for All scheme to ensure step-free access to the Thameslink station is created during the proposed redevelopment, which would maximise access for all station users and minimise disruption during the construction process.

Government is considering nominations for the scheme, and we look forward to hearing the outcome of the proposal later this year.

Council Leader Ross Garrod said, “This opportunity to make Wimbledon Chase station more accessible for the local community should not be missed. Additional housing for Merton residents is very welcome, and the opportunity to also improve access for residents with mobility impairments is clear-cut.

“That is why I wrote to the Transport Minister to champion the case for Wimbledon Chase to be included in the next round of the Access for All scheme. I look forward to hearing the final decision.”

At Motspur Park station, we have been working with Network Rail and South Western Railways to make the station fully accessible. The Access for All scheme here has developed plans for a new, covered footbridge with full access via lift or stairs, and new lighting and security cameras.

Work is due to begin in early April, but all interested residents are invited to a drop-in session on Tuesday 21 March 2023 from 3:30-6:30pm at West Barnes Library, Station Road, New Malden, KT3 6JF.

Local residents have already been contacted by Network Rail with details of the proposals, and all are invited to the event to ask further questions.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring improvements forward for Motspur Park station. Delivering step-free access here will hugely benefit the local community, allowing those with mobility impairments to travel further and more freely as well as bringing safety improvements for all travellers.”