News from Islington Labour

Victory in toilets battle is a relief for Islington’s residents and commuters

A campaign to improve the toilet facilities at Farringdon Station in time for the new Crossrail line, has finally been successful.

Local Councillors and the local MP were extremely concerned that the original plans for Farringdon, which is being rebuilt as part of the Crossrail Project, did not include any plans to improve public toilet facilities at the station.

Farringdon will become a major interchange when Crossrail services start in 2018, with direct links to three airports as well as London Underground and international rail travel one stop away at St Pancras.

With the number of commuters accessing the station likely to hugely increase when Cross Rail comes online – Islington Labour was concerned about the knock on effect to passengers and local residents around the station.

It is therefore extremely positive news that after continued lobbying, assurances have now been given by Theresa Villiers, Minister for Transport, and Crossrail that this will happen.

The assurances were given at a meeting on Wednesday October 19 of the Crossrail High Level Forum.

Cllr Steph Charalambous, the local Labour Councillor for Clerkenwell, explains: “The misery for commuters, sat crossed-legged for their entire journey to work, is easy to imagine. But I am also on the side of the local residents who live around the station. Local businesses and people have endured years of inconvenience as the station is refurbished. Refurbishing the toilets at the same time is the least they can do to improve the area for local people.”

Cllr Charalambous has worked closely with local Labour colleagues including the local MP – Emily Thornberry who asked the Transport Minister about this issue in the House of Commons back in June – and Cllr Catherine West, Leader of Islington Council.

Cllr West has been pushing for Crossrail Stations to improve their toilet facilities as part of her work as Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee. She said:

“Crossrail will be an extremely welcome addition to London’s transport network. However, whenever any major new projects like this are undertaken careful consideration needs to be given to the impact it will have on commuters and residents around the stations.

I’m delighted that the Crossrail Planning Forum has listened to our campaign and recognized the need to improve the Farringdon toilet faculties.”

Other news from Islington Labour

• 'Excellent' report for Islington's Children's Services - 21 November 2011
• Three Islington organisations victorious in national awards - 21 November 2011
• Labour Islington promises to get to grips with good nutrition - 21 November 2011