Despite TfL claiming Brentwood Station has Step Free Access, it is clear the only genuine way access can be 'Step Free' at Brentwood is to install a lift on Platform 4. I am working with the Brentwood Access Group to campaign for a lift to be installed without further delay.
One of my first meetings after I was elected as Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar in 2017 was with Jim Hoare, from the Brentwood Access Group, at Brentwood Station. Jim and I walked the “step free” route from the disabled parking bays to the ticket office, which involves a long incline, crossing three roads – a lengthy and tiring route for anyone with limited mobility or using a wheelchair.
I continue to raise concerns about the lack of disabled access with TfL and the Department of Transport, and am campaigning for the Access for All funding – which was assigned and then taken away from the project in the years prior to my election – to be reinstated and a lift installed from the ticket office level to Platform 4. This will enable those with disabilities or wheelchairs have easy access to trains to London from the disabled parking bays by Platform 4 without having to travel to Shenfield to change platforms.