Lib Dems secure major step towards Raynes Park step-free station access

Raynes Park Liberal Democrats have scored a huge win in their long-running fight to make Raynes Park station fully accessible. After successfully campaigning for step-free access at Motspur Park station, they are determined to repeat that success in Raynes Park. Design work is expected to be completed by Autumn 2027, after which the Department for Transport will decide on full construction funding.

Raynes Park Liberal Democrats have secured a major breakthrough in their long-standing campaign to make Raynes Park station fully accessible.

This announcement brings Raynes Park one step closer to a station that works for everyone; parents with buggies, disabled passengers, older residents and commuters alike.

After campaigning since 2013, local Lib Dems, led by MP Paul Kohler and councillors Chessie Flack, Matthew Willis and Victoria Wilson, have helped win Department for Transport funding. This will take Raynes Park station to the design stage of the national Access for All programme, following a successful feasibility study. This means detailed design work can now begin, bringing the station one step closer to step-free access for all passengers.

Local demand is clear: 63% of residents say they would use Raynes Park station more if it were step-free. The lack of accessibility currently forces many commuters to travel via Wimbledon instead, increasing congestion on Worple Road and adding extra cost and inconvenience for residents.

Raynes Park Lib Dem councillors have worked closely with residents’ groups, South Western Railway and Merton Council, helping to secure a key financial commitment from the council.

The Liberal Democrats have a proven track record, having successfully secured step-free access funding for Motspur Park station in 2020, with the new lift opening in early 2025. They are now determined to repeat that success for Raynes Park.

Commenting, Raynes Park Cllr and Deputy Leader of Merton Liberal Democrats, Victoria Wilson said: 

“Residents have been waiting too long to see Raynes Park station become step-free, so we're pleased our long-running campaign has resulted in some concrete progress around what a step-free station could look like. Serving millions of passengers per year, the station is a key transport link in the area - making it accessible to all passengers is long overdue.”

Further reading:

Further information on the announcement can be found here: Improving accessibility at railway stations across Britain - GOV.UK