UPDATE - 20th September 2012

This morning I visited Earlsfield train station with Network Rail representatives to see how the extensive refurbishment and upgrading is progressing.

I am pleased to report that the new ticket hall and main entrance are now open to the public with some finishing off to do, but the new hall is much bigger and brighter with 6 self service ticket machines as well as station staff.  We are finally close to having a station that delivers for local people.

There is now lift access to platform 3 making it easier for those who have reduced mobility and those with push-chairs and buggies to access the platforms. On platform 2  work is progressing well on the new lift shaft there and hopefully it won’t be long before passengers are able to use it. The platform canopies are also in need of refurbishment or even replacing.

I am working closely with Network rail to ensure that there are no further delays to the completion on the works and I have been assured that updates will be provided via posters at the station for passengers.

We are currently looking at the station being finished around January and I know that it will be well worth the wait.

UPDATE - Thursday, 26 July 2012 17:07

I have recently requested an update from Network Rail on delayed works at Earlsfield Station, and asked them to do more to inform passengers about the reasons for the delays.  Many residents and passengers are understandably unhappy with the delay in completion of the works, and the disruption this is causing to the station.  Lack of information is a key concern which I have asked Network Rail to improve upon.

The works were originally due to be finished this summer, but there have been unforseen problems on the site, described below, that have delayed the project.  The update I received from Network Rail stated:

"The poster outside the work site has recently been updated and is now displayed at the station indicating that the new station entrance will be open in Autumn 2012 and lifts both completed in Winter 2012.

The reason we cannot provide a more specific deadline is due to the complexity of current works required to connect into the Victorian sewer which were unforeseen.  The works have involved difficult ground conditions and deep level unknown services.  These works are being completed by Thames Water who are currently working closely with Wandsworth to agree a method of work to access the remainder of the sewer. The project team are on site and are working on elements of the station where they can but the Thames Water works are preventing most of the planned activities taking place.  The work at platform level is only undertaken at night when the trains are not running and we have safe access.  This was always the plan and until we have the new entrance open we cannot close the one currently in use to complete the second lift whilst the station remains open to passengers."