Disabled access at Brentford Station slashed

Senior advice worker for Disability Network Hounslow, Ashi Dhillon, said: "For people with mobility difficulties, this will be a real problem and make travelling very difficult."

However South West Trains don't seem to think this will cause a problem and have put measures in place in an attempt to ensure the disabled can travel freely.

A spokesperson for South West Trains said: "Disabled people or elderly people that need to use the lifts can ring us before they leave for their journey and someone will come to the station to help them.

"Unfortunately we do not sell enough tickets to pay for someone to be sitting in the ticket office 24 hours a day."

The lifts were installed at much expense around the beginning of 2000, however there was much dismay when it was discovered they would only be operational when the station was staffed, and now they are to be standing idle for 20 hours a day.

Responding to South West's comments Ashi said: "The idea that someone has to come to the station every time a disabled person wants to catch a train is ridiculous and unrealistic.

"What would happen if they had to get somewhere in an emergency? I am sure it would take at least half an hour to get someone to the station to help."

Janet Simmons, a member of the Hounslow 2000 club, a sport and social club for people with physical, sensory and learning difficulties, said: "I think it's terrible, I am partially sighted and rely on lifts, as do people in wheelchairs.

Treasurer of the 2000 club Alan Stacey, was equally appalled by the changes, saying: "We campaigned for years for accessible stations and now we eventually have them, they are taking the facilities away again.

"People with disabilities should have access to stations just as able bodied people do. Not for only four hours a day."