WOKING STATION SUBWAY IS A DISGRACE

I think everyone agrees that the subway is a disgrace, and has been for some time.

It was refurbished a few years ago and looked acceptable for a short time, but now looks worse than ever. A large number of my residents have to use the subway at least twice a day.

The walls are crumbling, the lighting ineffective, the steps and floor surface are disintegrating and, to add insult to injury for the poor pedestrian, they not only have to manoeuvre around the puddles of water on the floor, but also now dodge water dripping from the roof, all the while holding their noses to avoid the stench of urine. More an endurance test than a pedestrian access to a modern, thriving town.

The intended canopy on the other side of the station promises to provide an impressive entrance to the town - what a contrast with the subway.

I think we as a Council must make it crystal clear to Network Rail and Surrey County Council that the present state of affairs is wholly unacceptable and we expect them to acknowledge their responsibility for the subway and to take immediate action.

I am asking for a multi-agency group to be set up immediately to tackle the problem. Once this multi-agency group has been convened a timed action plan - to cover remedial work and future maintenance - should be produced - not the vague promises that we have had before.

Speech by Sue Smith, Lib Dem Group Leader, to the Woking Borough Council Executive