The petition of Grove Park station users,
Declares that the Station needs improvement.
The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons urge the government to work with Southeastern Railway to institute the following improvements:
Enhanced Accessibility: Provide step-free access to all platforms to ensure the station is accessible to everyone.
Improved Safety: Install brighter lighting, increase CCTV coverage, and ensure regular security patrols to deter crime and enhance passenger safety.
Better Shelter and Seating: Upgrade the existing shelters to provide better protection from the elements and install additional seating to accommodate waiting passengers.
Better access to toilets.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Janet Daby, Official Report, 20 October 2025; Vol. 773, c. 761.]
[P003119]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood): Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All programme has delivered step-free access at more than 270 stations across Great Britain.
Currently, only around one fifth of stations in Great Britain have step-free access to and between all platforms. However, around 75% of journeys on our rail network now pass through step-free stations, compared with just 50% in 2005. This demonstrates the significant progress we have made in improving accessibility across the network.
In May 2024, the previous Government approved the publication of a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work under the AfA programme. I appreciate that Grove Park station was not included in that list.
The criteria used to assess nominations included factors such as station footfall (weighted by the incidence of disability in the area), industry priorities, and the availability of third-party funding. We also took into account local factors such as proximity to hospitals, the volume of interchange passengers, and the need to ensure a fair geographical distribution of projects across the national network.
At this stage, I am not yet able to comment on the next steps for AfA projects at specific stations. However, I want to assure my hon. Friend that I remain fully committed to improving accessibility across our railways and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities across the country.
Given the funding pressures around accessibility, it is worth exploring whether local sources of funding, such as section 106 moneys, might help strengthen the case for future investment at Grove Park station. I would encourage her to continue engaging with the local authority and Southeastern railway to ensure that Grove Park station is considered a priority for any future rounds of funding.
In the meantime, my Department will continue to explore further opportunities to improve accessibility across the rail network.