Local MP Calls For Crystal Palace Station Upgrade Funding

London Assembly Member Valerie Shawcross, has urged rail minister Norman Baker to support funding for an 'essential' accessibility scheme at Crystal Palace station.

TfL submitted a bid for government funding for the project which would see the current station given a much needed upgrade, opening up the former Victorian ticket hall and installing new lifts, giving easy access to disabled commuters.

Val said: "I know this is an ongoing bugbear for commuters using Crystal Palace station. It's imposing and beautiful, but its Victorian built size also means a reliance on stairs to get to the platforms. In this day and age, it's vital that our transport infrastructure is brought up to date. The plans for the station enhance the great structure it has while making it more enjoyable for everyone to use."

Crystal Palace station is now also a terminus for the new London Overground ELL services, which has made travelling to Crystal Palace and its amenities even easier, which has inevitably meant many more commuters passing through the station. The steps at the station are very steep and cause difficulties for many passengers with heavy luggage, parents with buggies and anyone with mobility issues. With the news that Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is to be used as a 2012 Olympic training camp for the Brazil team, there are likely to be thousands more visitors to the area.

Val concludes:  "I'm concerned that people should not be put off coming to this great station and area by the access issues. I hope the minister will take my representations on board when deciding how to allocate funds."

There is no denying that access at the station is a major concern and if the councils are serious about the regeneration of the area, then this is a crucial first step that needs to be taken. The original Victorian building and many other beautiful surrounding historical monuments and structures are mostly hidden from the public or so badly damaged, they have lost all character, which is a crying shame.

I would have hoped that improving facilities and preserving the heritage of the area, is not just a sound financial investment, it is a matter of national importance.

Photo: sludgeulper