Councillor Paul Lorber, Liberal Democrat Leader of Brent Council, has written to London Mayor Boris Johnson urging that he intervene to resolve longstanding problems at the “appalling” and “unacceptable” Wembley Central station.
The approach follows almost 6 months of formal Council approaches to Network Rail about their lack of investment and planning, including joint initiatives with Transport for London. Despite these, Network Rail have failed to improve the station.
Aside from constant problems of leaking rainwater onto the platforms, major upgrades including a disabled lift to enable full, step-free access to the Olympic station have been put on hold by Network Rail. In a letter to Councillor Lorber late last year, Iain Coucher, Chief Executive, stated: “Network Rail cannot confirm whether or not the LDA further works will be completed in time to deliver step-free access for the 2012 Olympic Games.”
Meanwhile, Wembley residents and commuters continue to suffer from an ill-equipped, half-built, incomplete station with inadequate facilities and a leaky roof.
Councillor Paul Lorber, Liberal Democrat Leader of Brent Council, said
“As a Council, we have worked hard for the exciting opportunities the Olympics will bring. Working with our partners we have made great progress in the regeneration of Wembley Central Square and the area around it.
Sadly, Network Rail seem to be the weak link in the chain, with no recognition of their responsibilities to provide a modern, acceptable gateway for the Olympics and a station that local residents want to use and can feel proud of.
I’ve written to the London Mayor and asked him to intervene. We need to ensure action urgently so the thousands of people who use Wembley Central Station week in and week out can receive the service they are entitled to, and travel in reasonable comfort without leaky roofs and lifts that don’t work.”
