Residents in North London have expressed significant disappointment after a brand new lift installed at Colindale Tube station broke down just weeks following its installation, leaving the step-free access facility out of action for over a week.
Frustration Mounts Over Lift Failure
The lift, which forms a crucial part of Colindale Station's recent £30 million transformation, stopped working approximately a week ago, according to local reports. The station had only reopened in late December following an extensive 18-month upgrade project that was designed to provide full step-free access for passengers.
Impact on Local Families
Father-of-one Dickie Chan has highlighted how the lift failure has created substantial difficulties for his daily routine. He relies on the lift to transport his one-year-old daughter to nursery using a pushchair, and now faces the challenge of navigating stairs without proper accessibility.
"Colindale Station reopened in late December with a new ticket hall and lift," Chan explained. "Unfortunately, the lift has now been out of order for over a week. There have been no clear updates on when it will be repaired. This is particularly disappointing given how recently it was launched and how important step-free access is for residents."
Chan added that while fellow passengers have been helpful in assisting with the pushchair on stairs, this arrangement is unsustainable for daily use. He expressed concern for other parents and wheelchair users who had been anticipating the improved accessibility.
Transport for London's Response
Transport for London has acknowledged the issue and stated that they are working to resolve the lift problem as quickly as possible. A spokesperson apologised to customers for the disruption caused by the unexpected failure.
Details of the Station Upgrade
The Colindale Station transformation represents a significant investment in London's transport infrastructure:
- The 18-month upgrade project was funded through £30 million of government money alongside contributions from TfL and Barnet Council
- The station's former 1960s entrance has been completely redesigned with a distinctive curved ceiling featuring laminated timber
- The revamped station is expected to support an additional 11,400 homes in the Colindale area
- With the upgrade, Colindale became the 94th London Underground station to offer full step-free access
Construction on the station improvements began in January 2024, with the fully upgraded station reopening to the public on Monday, December 22nd last year. The project included a wider entrance area and the installation of the now-faulty lift system.
Community Concerns
Local residents have noted the absence of communication from political representatives who had previously highlighted the new lift as a significant improvement for the area. The timing of the failure, occurring so soon after the station's grand reopening, has amplified frustrations among those who depend on reliable step-free access.
The situation at Colindale Station raises questions about maintenance protocols and quality assurance for newly installed accessibility features across London's transport network. As Transport for London works to rectify the problem, affected passengers continue to navigate alternative arrangements for their daily journeys.
