Boris transport cutbacks leave people grounded at Finsbury Park (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Boris transport cutbacks leave people grounded at Finsbury Park

December 4, 2008 5:31 PM

Councillor John Gilbert at Finsbury Park Station

Councillor John Gilbert helps mum Alex Belford and daughter Summer up the steps at Finsbury Park station.

Transport cuts by Boris Johnson will leave parents with pushchairs and prams, disabled people, and the elderly struggling up and down stairs at Finsbury Park Station.

Transport for London, chaired by the Mayor of London, announced that plans for step-free access to Finsbury Park station were being delayed because of funding cuts. No new date has been given for the works. This is the second delay for step-free access at Finsbury Park station: Ken Livingstone also delayed implementation when he was Mayor.

Islington Liberal Democrats slammed the Mayor for making life even more difficult for young families and people with mobility problems.

Liberal Democrat councillor John Gilbert, who campaigns on issues affecting the Finsbury Park area, said:

"Young families and people with mobility problems obviously aren't a priority for Boris.

"Finsbury Park station is a major interchange between buses, the Tube and mainline services. It 's a bit like a rabbit warren- with stairs and tunnels everywhere.

"Boris' decision discriminates against people who can't manage the Finsbury Park maze. But Islington residents will now have to lump it while Boris tries to balance TfL's books."