Statement on Network Rail’s intention to replace the footbridge at Brooks Lane, Chiswick
Published: Monday, 9th October 2023
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said:
“As a council we are committed to helping make rail travel accessible for all. Improved and accessible public transport options contribute to making our borough cleaner and greener and is an important stepping stone in the Council’s journey for tackling our climate emergency.
“ We are aware of Network Rail’s intention to replace the footbridge at Brooks Lane, Chiswick. The bridge proposed by Network Rail would be of similar design to the existing one and would therefore not be fully accessible. The proposed bridge would be higher and still only provide stepped access across the railway.
“Our Transport Strategy sets out our commitment to reduce pedestrian severance and improve connectivity for and within our communities. We also wish to see the creation of a fully accessible rail network throughout the borough but we need the support of Network Rail to achieve this.
“We have already funded the delivery of step-free access at Syon Lane Station and awarded over £1m of CIL funding to enable the delivery of new lifts at Isleworth Station, which are due to open in the next few months.
“The Brooks Lane Footbridge is heavily used by local residents, including parents whose children attend Strand-on-the-Green school many of whom have prams and who are seriously disadvantaged by bridge’s design. This design also makes it impossible for many mobility impaired people to cross the railway at Brooks Lane necessitating a long diversion.
“Objections received to the recent prior approval application submitted by Network Rail show it is clear that there is a local desire to create a fully accessible bridge to better serve the local community.
“Network Rail have now advised us of the current of the condition of the bridge and that it is approaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. This must be done in a way which meets the needs of its users, however.
“We have requested that Network Rail re-visit their proposals for the replacement bridge and work with the community and the council to deliver a fully accessible bridge which meets the needs of the local people. ”
