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Twickenham MP's fight to improve disabled access at a borough train station has been dismissed as the train operator claims his proposals would be too costly.

Dr Vincent Cable has campaigned to have lifts installed on the forecourt at Hampton Wick station for disabled passenger's use, however South West Trains (SWTs) argued that the costs involved in converting the station would be prohibitive.

A spokesperson for SWT said the development would have required "a major, major investment," and added it had alternative arrangements in place for disabled passengers wishing to travel from the station.

A disabled train taxi service provided by SWT provides a car for those unable to use Hampton Wick station to or from Teddington station.

The spokesperson continued: "Installing these lifts would cost a phenomenal amount of money.

"In an ideal world you'd like everywhere to have disabled access, but unfortunately we live in the real world.

"We have to order our priorities to get the most benefit for the most people."

Dr Cable said: "South West Trains argue that the funding is not available from the Government for improving stations like Hampton Wick. So they try to meet their legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act by offering a taxi service at no extra cost."

He added: "I hope disabled constituents are aware of this service. I suspect most aren't. But they should take advantage of it. None of us want to see disabled people rendered immobile because of lack of access to public transport."

Currently the taxi service is used as little as once every two months. People wishing to book a car should call the Assisted Travel Line, available 24 hours before making their journey on 0800 5282100.

12:16pm Monday 12th May 2008

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