First step towards making North Dulwich station accessible to all in win for Lib Dem campaign

Last night at a public meeting in Dulwich, it was announced that £70,000 had been secured to carry out a feasibility study to make North Dulwich station step-free.  

At the moment, North Dulwich, West Dulwich, Peckham Rye, Nunhead, South Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle, and Rotherhithe stations are not fully accessible, with stairs between the platforms and street level, meaning that those with wheelchairs or mobility issues cannot access trains from those stations.  

This comes after the Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for feasibility studies into upgrading train stations in Southwark – both in an amendment to a motion last year, and in the most recent budget amendment. The Labour group voted against both proposals. The Liberal Democrats had also launched a petition specifically calling for upgrades to North Dulwich and West Dulwich stations.  

This also comes after the Labour Government withdrew funding for upgrading Peckham Rye station – the busiest interchange station in the country without step-free access. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“It’s fantastic news to see that funding has been secured for a feasibility study to upgrade North Dulwich station – but it’s disappointing that given the opportunity to secure this funding earlier, Labour councillors, including those representing Dulwich wards, voted against our Liberal Democrat proposals.” 

Commenting, local campaigner Richard Wingfield added:  

“Being able to use your local train station is a basic right that everyone deserves, whether it’s disabled people, those with mobility issues, or even those with buggies and young children. 

The news that funding has been secured for a feasibility study to make North Dulwich station accessible is long overdue, and a very welcome win for our Liberal Democrat campaign to make every train station in Southwark step-free. It's only a first step, and we look forward to similar studies being supported for West Dulwich and other stations in our area."