Despite months of work, the new entrances to Dorking Deepdene station have only just opened, and there appear to be no improvements, particularly regarding step-free access, as the station is elevated, and requires stairs to access, with no lifts currently available.
Dorking is located just outside of London, in Surrey, and is known for its historic town centre, the beautiful Denbies vineyard, and being a safe haven for families with young children.
The lack of step free access is a real let down for these families, as it means that pushchairs can’t access the station so easily.
The station is host to trains to Reading, Guildford, and Gatwick Airport, and is one of three main stations in Dorking.
Many people wishing to use Gatwick Airport, the closest airport to Dorking, may struggle to use the station if they have lots of luggage.
It also means that the station is almost completely inaccessible for those who are disabled.
The Surrey Hills is also known its beautiful cycling routes, and cyclists may be discouraged from using the railway due to the inaccessibility of the station.
It appears that the only improvement is the addition of brighter poles in order to assist visibility and safety.
It is also confusing that Gomshall, a much quieter station on the line, seems to have a ramp between both of its platforms.
It is fair to say that this is a disappointment for the local community, seeing as there would be so many people who would benefit from the step free access, and, at one point, £21 million plans to move the station slightly, and make it step free.
However, these plans were announced a while ago, and nothing more appears to be happening regarding those proposals.
