Leader calls for answers over lack of disabled access as part of station upgrade (From Haringey Independent)

Leader Councillor Claire Kober calls for answers over lack of disabled access as part of Alexandra Palace Station upgrade

5:46pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Ministers have been called upon to explain why a railway station will not have disabled access included as part of its upgrade.

Haringey Borough Council leader Cllr Claire Kober has written to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to ask why the multi-million pound upgrade of Alexandra Palace Station will not include improved disabled access.

In January the Haringey Independent reported on concerns from campaigners about the lack of disabled access as part of the upgrade, which is being carried out by Network Rail.

Councillor Kober said: “This station serves an iconic landmark that people come from all over London to visit, in addition to its role as a major conference and exhibition centre.

“It also provides a key route into London for our residents, so it only fair that any renewal work includes better disabled facilities so our transport links are accessible for all.

“Making sure disabled people have equal opportunities to others is a fundamental part of a modern society.”

Transport Minister Norman Baker told the Haringey Independent that the Network Rail project at Alexandra Palace complies with current accessibility requirements as set out in the Department for Transport’s established code of practice.