A man has called on people to “stand up for vulnerable citizens” by launching a petition pushing for step-free access at London Underground stations.

Kuha Kumaran, a community activist from Harrow, launched the campaign after years of witnessing people struggle with steps at tube stations across the borough.

He wants politicians to get behind the movement and hopes they will “take responsibility” on an issue he believes is a priority.

“We have a duty of care for the elderly and the most vulnerable people in our society,” Mr Kumaran said.

“These people are responsible for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today but they themselves cannot experience life fully because they struggle with public transport.”

He said he has spoken to a number of people who have complained about the pain they suffer having to climb up steps on a daily basis.

He also spoke of the increased risk of injury and said the steep flights of stairs are “an accident waiting to happen”.

“We don’t want someone to have a serious injury but this is the situation we find ourselves in; it could be more bad news for Harrow,” he added.

“This is a high priority issue. I intend to keep the pressure up and make sure that this is not swept under the carpet.”

Campaigners want step-free access at all stations in Harrow, including Rayners Lane

Harrow Times:

Harrow Council has previously lent its support to Sadiq Khan’s plan to invest £200 million in improving step-free access at tube stations around London.

Step-free access is set to be provided at Harrow-on-the-Hill in 2019/20 but councillors want this to be extended to other stations in the region.

They have written to Mr Khan and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to pledge their support for accessibility to be improved at Canons Park, Hatch End, Headstone Lane, Kenton and Northolt Park.

They also want improvements at North Harrow, Northwick Park, Queensbury, Rayners Lane, South Harrow, Sudbury Hill and West Harrow.

Leader of Harrow Council, Sachin Shah, said: “We are proud of the work we are doing with TfL to make Harrow on the Hill Tube station accessible, which is an important part of our plan to ‘Build a Better Harrow’ for everyone.

“Improving accessibility at all train stations within the London Borough of Harrow and the train stations immediately on the Borough’s border would enable even more Harrow residents and visitors to Harrow to travel independently, making travelling easier for a large number of people, especially those who are older, disabled or travelling with children in pushchairs.”

To sign the petition, click here.