At the end of February, work started on the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme at Shortlands Station.

The Access for All scheme, by Network Rail, aims to improve train stations so that they are more accessible for people with disabilities. At Shortlands Station, this involves installing three new lifts and a footbridge between platforms, similar to larger train stations like Bromley South and Orpington. This allows accessible public transportation for people not only in large towns, but also smaller ones, like Shortlands. The project is set to finish in Spring 2025.

This project is beneficial to the Shortlands community. The installation of lifts will make it more convenient for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs and large baggage or bicycles, to take the train to their destination instead of driving. This can encourage more people to take public transport, reducing the number of cars on the road and carbon emissions.

Although a cliché topic, climate change is real and we should actively work to do our bit to help the environment.

One simple way is to try to walk, cycle or take public transport as much as possible. It is the small choices we make every day, which, combined, can have a great impact. Walking and cycling are also good for our health, physically and mentally. Every day, spending some time outdoors in the fresh air (if it’s not raining, of course) can help us humans, as well as the environmental benefits that come alongside it.

It is this one project, Access for All, which can help many people in the community and the environment. Hopefully, this is implemented in more stations around the area.