Hadley Wood station ramps up accessibility

Over 100 residents gathered at Hadley Wood railway station on Friday (26 May) to celebrate the opening of a new access ramp funded and built by Great Northern in response to a community petition.

Working closely with Hadley Wood Rail User Group, and its chair, Francesca Caine, the company built the ramp to platform 4 to give easy access for passengers with limited mobility, and those travelling with suitcases or buggies.

Will Pike, who is confined to a wheelchair following a spinal injury sustained in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, presided over the opening ceremony in his capacity as ambassador for local accessibility charity Inclusion Barnet.

Andrew Sidgwick, programme manager for Great Northern, said:

“The popularity of the railway has grown consistently in the past 20 years and it is vital that we continue to open up the network to as many people as possible.

“In December 2015, we received a petition of 1,300 signatures asking for accessible access to Hadley Wood station. We worked with Hadley Wood Rail User Group and Network Rail to look for a viable solution that could be paid for with existing resources.

“I’m delighted to see the results of what happens when we work together with the local community to make a real difference at the station.”

Francesca Caine, Chair of Hadley Wood Rail User Group, said:

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new step-free entrance, the first on our line within the Oyster zone. Huge thanks to Great Northern on behalf of both the local community and all those who can now benefit from access to this route and the rail network from wider North London.”

Will Pike added:

“It is a pleasure to be invited today to celebrate the successes of the Hadley Wood Rail User Group. The results of their campaign are fundamental in improving the everyday experience of disabled people, not only in the local area but also in contributing to creating a more inclusive society for all.”

The ramp is latest in a series of improvements introduced by Great Northern at the station in the past 18 months, including the installation of an additional departure summary board outside the ticket office, additional seating on both platforms and a waiting shelter on platform 4.

Hadley Wood station is unlike many other stations in the Greater London area, in that despite being in a travel card zone, it does not have tube access and does not feature on any major bus routes. Great Northern rail services are a key part of community life and are essential to connecting Hadley Wood to central London and other centres for work, shopping and leisure at all times of day.

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