Watford Mayor criticises government after Bushey station snub

Liberal Democrat Mayor of Watford has condemned the Department of Transport (DOT)'s refusal to shortlist Bushey Station for Access for All Funding after claiming the site is in desperate need for step-free access.

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor has expressed his disapointment by writing an official letter to Heidi Alexander, MP for Swindon and Head of Transport, stating that the community relies on public transport to get around, especially wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and those with invisible disabilities. 

Bushey Station has linked people between London and Watford City Centre for many decades, originally built in 1841 as part of the London & Birmingham railway under the name Bushey & Oxhey. However the modern station was constructed in 1912, where it became part of the Bakerloo line, eventually to become part of the Overground network; now acting as the Lioness line.

In an exert from his letter, Taylor states: 

'Many residents have contacted me about the lack of accessibility at this station, and the detrimental impact this has on those wishing to travel by train. Currently none of the platforms at Bushey Station have step-free access, with multiple sets of steps between the concourse and individual platforms. This creates significant barriers for disabled passengers, people with additional access needs and their carers, as well as parents travelling with pushchairs.' 

In further comment he added: '“It is bitterly disappointing that Bushey Station has missed out on this vital funding. Everyone deserves fair and equal access to public transport, especially residents with mobility issues.”

By failing to back this project, the Government is leaving disabled people, families, and carers behind. Making public transport accessible and affordable for everyone should be a top priority for the Government."

In support of Taylor's action, Oxhey Ward Councillor Karen Taylor-Clarke states: 

“Residents have been calling for step-free access at Bushey Station for years. This decision is a major setback for disabled passengers, families with young children, and anyone with limited mobility. I even brought my baby to an on-site meeting with stakeholders so that they could experience for themselves how hard it is to carry a buggy up and down the station steps but, once again, Bushey has been overlooked. Local people deserve better, and we will continue to make the case for Bushey to be made accessible.”

The Department of Transport have yet to comment on the situation.