Plans to improve disability access at a number of south-east London train stations have taken a major step forward as 11 stations have been nominated for possible funding.

Under the Access for All scheme, which provides funding for stations without step-free access, Southeastern Railways has put forward the following stations to be considered for government funding:

  • Sidcup – Bexley
  • Chislehurst – Bromley
  • Clock House – Bromley
  • Albany Park – Bexley
  • Elmstead Woods – Bromley
  • Erith – Bexley
  • Falconwood – Bexley
  • Kent House – Bromley
  • Kidbrooke – Greenwich
  • Penge East – Bromley
  • West Dulwich – Lambeth

This came following a consultation held by the train company, asking people to make a case for stations they felt needed step-free access.

The consultation received over 8,000 responses and from this 107 stations were initially put forward.

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Teresa Pearce, told News Shopper she was delighted to see Erith station included on the list as she had been campaigning for it to include step-free access for years.

In 2011, she wrote to then transport secretary Phillip Hammond about the lack of disability access for commuters and had urged him to take action.

"This is a huge move forward. For years Erith was not even considered for step-free access because it’s used less than other stations. However, its inaccessibility is probably one of the reasons why.

"To get accepted onto the list of 22 (including more in Southeastern's area covering Kent and Sussex) from a longlist of 107 is very good news indeed. This is the result of the hard work of residents, community groups, councillors and MPs both past and present who never gave up," she said.

Deputy leader for Bexley Council, Louie French, said: "We are delighted that a number of Bexley stations have been shortlisted for Access for All funding.

"This follows years of lobbying from local Conservatives and the formal bids that were submitted and announced by the Council in October. Our lobbying efforts will continue on the behalf of local people."

The £300m Access for All fund is held and distributed by the Government and covers a five-year financial period from April 2019 - March 2024.

Councillor Louie French, deputy leader of Bexley Council, said: "We are delighted that a number of Bexley stations have been shortlisted for Access for All funding. This follows years of lobbying from local Conservatives and the formal bids that were submitted and announced by the Council in October.

"Our lobbying efforts will continue on the behalf of local people."