London Assembly Member Hirani urges transports chiefs to remove scaffolding eye sore from Willesden Green Station

Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, has written to Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL), to express concerns about a programme of works which appears to have stalled at Willesden Green tube station.

The letter has the support of Willesden Green councillors, Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller who are calling for the removal of the scaffolding, which has been a hazard and eyesore for residents for over a year.

The three-story scaffolding located outside the station exit on Walm Lane occupies a large part of the pavement, restricting pedestrian access to the high street.

The diagonal elevation of the structure restricts movement for pedestrians with sight impairments and mobility issues. The obstruction affects wheelchair users and parents with prams and pushchairs who need to navigate a sharp turn to travel past the station.

Issues are compounded during rush hour, when a bottleneck is created by pedestrians queuing at the busy 260, 266 460 and N266 route bus stop also located by the station.

The imposing structure creates an unpleasant and unwelcoming environment due to its size and scale, whilst unsightly hoardings built around the structure have created blind spots which lead to a fear of crime.

John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable, and in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case, TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.”

John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable and, in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are

clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.

Cyreeta Donaldson, RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Officer for London, said: “Pavement obstructions have adverse effects on blind and partially sighted people; increasing the risk of injury, stress, isolation due to self-exclusion from areas known for street clutter, and danger from having to step in the road to get past obstacles on the pavement.

“Inconsistency in this has a negative impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to access their work, community, and key services such as healthcare. Everyone in society benefits from more clarity and consistency in managing and avoiding street clutter.”

Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow said: “The structure is a hazard and a complete eyesore. No active work is taking place.

The delay in completing the works and removing the scaffolding is completely unacceptable and is having a detrimental impact in on the local area.

Disabled residents and parents with pushchairs are struggling to navigate through the structure when it’s dark and during rush periods.

I’m calling on Network Rail and TfL to work together to complete the works and remove the structure, which is a complete monstrosity.”