Despite reassurances that North Finchley Bus Station would reopen last month after a wait of more than five months, station managers London Buses have admitted they are no closer to a starting date for urgently needed safety works to begin.

The station was closed to stop pedestrians using bus exits following a Transport for London (TfL) investigation into the death of 89-year-old Dulcie Bailey in November 2005. She died after colliding with a 221 bus as it was leaving the station's Ballards Lane exit.

The investigation sparked concerns after it found that 175 people per hour walked in through the bus-only exit and entrance between 7am and 7pm between January 23 and February 4 this year.

TfL transport commissioner Peter Hendy, who also oversees London Buses, penned a letter to Barnet & Camden London Assembly member Councillor Brian Coleman back in March this year, stating that the station would be reopened within four to five months.

However, despite deliberations, it seems that London Buses have not got anywhere near confirming a start date for the planned works - a dedicated pedestrian walkway between Nether Street vehicle entrance and the passenger concourse' and the installation of a barrier with a skirt' at the Ballards Lane exit.

A spokeswoman for TfL said: "TfL is currently in negotiations with the landlords and lawyers acting on both sides for permission to undertake essential works to improve the safety of the station. Talks are ongoing to start the works as soon as possible.

"Once an agreement has been reached, a start date will be given for the works to commence."