OREANDA-NEWS.  Eight stations in south east London and Kent are to benefit from an Ј18.5m investment which will improve passengers’ access to trains and platforms.

The funding is from the Department for Transport’s Ј380m Access for All scheme which is delivering step free access from street to platform at around 150 stations nationwide.

Network Rail will deliver the improvements which not only benefit passengers with disabilities but also those with young children or heavy bags.

Stations at Bearsted, Bexleyheath, Brockley, Honor Oak Park, New Eltham, Strood, New Cross and New Cross Gate will all benefit from the improvements.

Transport minister Norman Baker MP said: “The Access for All scheme is making a real difference to people using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities.”

Fiona Taylor, route managing director for the Kent route, said: “Improving access at stations is an important part of building a bigger and better railway. These improvements will increase the number of easy-to-use stations in south east London and Kent, providing passengers with even more fully accessible journey options. As the railway is used by more and more passengers, we will continue to invest and make improvements whenever and wherever possible.”