Commuters in the borough are set to benefit from greater accessibility and step-free access at four local Tube stations, it was announced last week.
Northolt, North Ealing, Park Royal and Hanger Lane are among 13 stations in the capital to receive a share of £200million of investment from the Mayor of London, which aims to make Tube travel more accessible and open up the city for everyone. The investment is the biggest in the London Underground’s 155-year history and is part of its commitment to provide step-free access at 40% of its stations in the next four years.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “Accessibility at our stations can change people’s lives – giving residents and fellow Londoners access to our borough and the city for business and pleasure, sometimes for the first time.
“We’ve led the way in Ealing to show how we can transform the Underground and install step-free access with our work with Transport for London at Greenford. It is great to see step-free access back as a priority and residents across Northolt, Ealing and Acton will gain from these much needed improvements. Those with young children, in wheelchairs, or who have mobility issues will massively benefit, as will the economy.”
The council is also transforming an area in the heart of North Acton into a new public space which will boast open access to the station via a new access ramp and stairs. New street lighting and paving will be installed to modernise the area and make it safer for residents and commuters. Flowers, plants and seating will also be introduced.
Two further stations to be adapted to become step-free are Boston Manor and Sudbury Hill stations. Although they are located in neighbouring Hounslow and Harrow, they are on our borough’s borders and used by Ealing residents.
All the stations identified by Transport for London are set to be step-free by spring 2022.
Pictured above are (left to right): Caroline Sheridan, London Underground’s director of renewals and enhancements; Councillor Mahfouz; Gordon Deuchars, policy and campaigns manager at Age UK London; and David Muir, chairman of Age UK Ealing.
