Kings Cross Access: the battle continues
This week I spoke at the public meeting organised by the Kings Cross access campaign. We're demanding a bridge to keep east-west access when Kings Cross station is rebuilt. Network Rail's current plans for the station will cut off our communities and mean that local people will miss out on the regeneration benefits the new station is supposed to bring.

At present, there are two entrances on the east, Islington, side of the station, meaning people can easily cross the station, as well as the main entrance on the Euston Road. But when the station is rebuilt there will be a single entrance on the west side only, cutting off people in Islington and on Camden's Maiden Lane estate. Cyclists and pedestrians wanting to access the station, or follow existing walking and cycling routes, will be forced onto some of London's busiest roads instead.

Like many local residents, I used the north east entrance to the station on a daily basis for years. Without an east side entrance, Kings Cross station will literally be turning its back on Islington. That's a betrayal of all the regeneration promises for our community. Network Rail – and the Government as their majority shareholders – must think again.

Other Lib Dems are backing the cause, including Jo Shaw (PPC Holborn & St Pancras) who also spoke at the meeting.

GLA Transport Committee Vice-Chair Caroline Pidgeon has taken up the issue, and Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, has agreed to raise the issue in a Parliamentary Question.

Now we want Network Rail to work with TfL, Islington and Camden Councils, Argent St George and the Department for Transport so we can retain access from York Way to the King's Cross central boulevard and the western concourse. That approach has already got the support of Lib Dem councillors on Islington's West Area Committee. You can show your support by signing the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/kxaccess/