Labour Secures Funding to Progress Step Free Access at Raynes Park Station
The Leader of Labour-run Merton Council, Cllr Ross Garrod, received confirmation last week that that the Government have agreed to take the plans for Step Free Access (SFA) at Raynes Park Station to the next stage, as part of the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme.
Raynes Park is the second busiest rail station in Merton, with four million annual entries and exits, and the busiest rail station in Merton without Step Free Access. That’s why Merton Labour have not only been lobbying for this to change, but taking action to make it happen.
We know from conversations with residents how vital it is to get Step Free Access at Raynes Park station, whether it’s to help those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or parents with buggies.
Over the summer, Cllr Garrod wrote to Network Rail to reiterate Labour-run Merton Council’s desire to see SFA at Raynes Park station, putting our support behind the application to the Government as part of the Access for All scheme. The Leader was able to confirm Labour-Run Merton Council’s contribution of £500,000 towards the project and a commitment to sourcing additional funding from future developments in the area.
This was welcome news for South Western Railway who responded by saying:
“It’s no secret that funding contributions and strong political champions like yourself make all the difference for the success of Access for All projects.”
Since then, Labour-run Merton Council has secured a contribution of £180,000 towards the project from developers, should the Rainbow Industrial estate development be approved.
Leader of Merton Council, Cllr Ross Garrod said:
“I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the funding to progress Step Free Access at Raynes Park Station into the design stage, as well as recognition from the Regional Director of South Western Railways of the Council’s championing of Step Free Access at stations across the borough.”
Design options are currently set to be completed by Autumn 2027 latest, before further decisions are taken by the Department for Transport on delivery funding.
This great news for the local community comes as voluntary group the ‘Friends of Raynes Park Station’ recently received funding to install wooden planters and a sustainable garden on Platforms 3 and 4 – enhancing the station for the benefit of everyone.
It’s great to see our local Labour Action Team come together with the local community to bring about real change, improving accessibility for local people who use the station, and brightening up our neighbourhood.
