Lib Dems join forces to back Kings Cross bridge campaign

12.02.16am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2008

Jo Shaw and Bridget Fox: supporting the Kings Cross community

Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigners Bridget Fox (Islington South & Finsbury) and Jo Shaw (Holborn & St Pancras) have joined forces in the campaign for a bridge to keep east-west pedestrian and bike access when Kings Cross station is rebuilt.

Bridget and Jo both spoke at the public meeting on 16 July to show their support for this cause.

Campaigners fear that Network Rail's current plans for the station will cut off their communities, and mean that local people will miss out on the regeneration benefits the new station is supposed to bring.

Jo Shaw says, "The plans have always allowed for a bridge to make access easier for pedestrians and cyclists - it's included in the model on display at the moment! So it's not good enough for Network Rail to try and buy us off with some small scale work to York Way , whilst taking away the bridge.

"Cyclists are going to be badly affected by the closure of the access ramp. When we are being encouraged to live healthier lives, walking and cycling instead of driving, this penny pinching by Network Rail makes no sense."

Bridget Fox adds, "Like many local residents, I've used that entrance to the station on a daily basis for years.

"Without an east side entrance, Kings Cross station will literally be turning its back on Islington. That's a betrayal of all the regeneration promises for our community.

"Network Rail - and the Government as their majority shareholders - must think again."

Bridget and Jo have won the backing of other senior Lib Dems for the campaign.

GLA Transport Committee Vice-Chair Caroline Pidgeon has taken up the issue, saying

"Liberal Democrats at the London Assembly strongly support the campaign to preserve pedestrian access from the North East of the King's Cross/St Pancras rail station complex. We believe that it would be wholly unacceptable for the local community to lose its convenient access route to the stations.

"It is urgently necessary that Network Rail works together with TfL, Islington and Camden Councils, Argent St George and the DfT, to design and fund a pedestrian and cycle route enabling access from York Way to the King's Cross central boulevard and the western concourse.

"The successful regeneration of the King's Cross area depends on sensible and high quality design solutions which benefit local communities. We call on the Mayor of London to show the necessary leadership to ensure these are delivered."

And Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, has agreed to raise the issue in a Parliamentary Question.

Now Bridget and Jo are urging residents on both sides of the station to join them and sign the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/kxaccess

NOTES

1) At present, there are two entrances on the east, Islington, side of the station, meaning people can easily cross the station, as well as the main entrance on the Euston Road .

But when the station is rebuilt there will be a single entrance on the west side only, cutting off people in Islington and on Camden 's Maiden Lane estate.

Cyclists and pedestrians wanting to access the station, or follow existing walking & cycling routes, will be forced onto some of London 's busiest roads instead.

Campaigners are demanding access be retained by building a new bridge across the station parallel with Wharfdale Road, as originally planned.

2) For more information see www.kingscrossaccess.com

3) The petition is available to sign online at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/kxaccess