Chislehurst and Elmstead Woods Stations
Residents often ask when accessibility is going to be improved at Chislehurst and Elmstead Woods railway stations, particularly for those with mobility issues, using wheelchairs or with children in buggies. Recently Petts Wood station has been made accessible and Shortlands is currently have works done to make it accessible. It’s an issue we have taken up with Network Rail who have responded as follows:
“There are two elements to this. One would be a significant investment in lifts and a footbridge to make the stations fully step-free, including for interchange. The Department for Transport fund projects like this through the Access for All programme, which we would then deliver. Both Chislehurst and Elmstead Woods were put forward for consideration under the 2024-2029 round of the scheme; but unfortunately, neither were included in the list of 50 schemes across the country that the DfT announced in April to receive initial feasibility studies for AfA projects. You can read the full list here Railway stations awarded Access for All accessibility funding – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The other aspect would be potentially securing third party investment – for example through S106 contributions or other sources – to improve accessibility at stations. The difficulty here I think is that both stations are built on an embankment and are some way above street level. This precludes ‘simple’ interventions to deliver step-free access such as opening a new direct entrance to the street, and would make installation of a ramp system quite complex (and that wouldn’t deliver step-free interchange).
We’re not currently funded to deliver projects of this nature at these stations but I have flagged this with our Business Development team, who work with local authorities and other potential funders to secure third party investment in the railway, so that this can form part of future discussions in the area.
In the meantime, customers with mobility issues, including wheelchair users, can book assistance directly through Southeastern to complete their journeys – this may involve provision (at no cost to the passenger) of a taxi connection to the nearest accessible station.”
Cllr Mike Jack
Cllr Mark Smith
Cllr Alison Stammers
