Olympic boost for disabled rail passengers

Slough, Wembley Central and Hackney Central will now be step-free by the time the Games start after the Government decided to include them in its Access for All programme.

Chris Mole said:

"The 2012 Olympic Games will be a landmark event in London's history and it's vital everyone can take part and enjoy them. These three stations in particular are expecting thousands more visitors wanting to get to Olympic events.

"Creating step-free access at these stations will be a massive help to those with limited mobility, making it easier for them to get to individual sports events. Travellers will continue to benefit from better access at these stations for many years after the Olympics."

The work involves installing three lifts at Slough station at a cost of circa £2.5m - Slough will be a vital link for Olympics fans travelling to Windsor Royal Station to watch the boating events at Eton Dorney Lake.

Three lifts will be installed at Wembley Central station at a cost of approximately £2.2m - this will serve Wembley Stadium, which will host football events, and Wembley Arena which will host badminton and gymnastics events.

Meanwhile a new bridge and two lifts will be installed at Hackney Central at a cost of approximately £3.5. Hackney Central will be a key station for spectators heading to the Olympic village in Stratford and changing between London Underground and London Rail services.  .

Work on all three stations is due to start in 2011 and is due to be completed in 2012, in time for the Olympic Games opening ceremony.