Campaign for tunnel or ramp to replace "treacherous" stairway on railway bridge in West Ewell

Brian Angus and Kim Nash, from Ewell, are calling for better access to Ewell West station and its 155-year-old railway bridge.

The residents believe an alternative is needed to replace the steep stairway from Gibraltar Recreation Ground onto the bridge on Chessington Road.

From the Rec, wheelchair and mobility scooter users currently have to take a long detour through Ewell Village to reach the station.

Ms Nash, a cyclist, believes a ramp would solve the problem and Mr Angus, chairman of Ewell Village Residents’ Association, favours the idea of a tunnel. Both want others to join their campaign.

Ms Nash, 56, of Cannon Close, said: "The steps are quite treacherous. Disabled residents have to go all the way round the village."

For people with pushchairs and bikes, she said: "It’s a nightmare going up and down those steps. There are so many people who use it."

Mr Angus, of Chessington Road, said engineering company Atkins has looked at the problem and suggested building a foot tunnel costing about £400,000.

He said: "It’s a very busy B road, it’s a very busy station and it’s a very busy crossing."

He said he had "put out feelers" to South West Trains and Network Rail, about his idea, but added: "They have not been rushing to their cheque books."

A South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance spokesman said: "Most of the rail network was built many generations ago when the needs of passengers with reduced mobility were regrettably not taken into account.

Brian Angus' plan for the tunnel under the railway bridge from the Rec to the station

"We are working hard to put that right and invest hundreds of thousands of pounds every year on improvements such as the introduction of lower counter ticket windows, handrails and accessible toilets.

He added: "We are investigating options to enhance Ewell West station at the moment but in the meantime, we remain committed to helping passengers with reduced mobility."

Passengers who cannot access the platforms are offered a free taxi service to Worcester Park and can book using a passenger assistance helpline.

What do you think of the campaign?

Leave a comment below, email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337