Anger over watered down Crossrail plans as firms start bidding to improve Redbridge stations

But campaigners say they will battle on for a better deal at Ilford and Seven Kings stations, which saw some changes promised early in the scheme dropped.

Seven Kings station, in High Road, is one of a handful on the Crossrail route that will not have step-free access under current plans.

Plans only include new public information screens, CCTV and a public toilet.

The decision has provoked anger from councillors and residents.

Earlier this year, campaigners gave their demands to Crossrail officers at an event held by charity Transport for All.

Next week, the group will meet representatives from Greater Anglia over accessibility issues.

Cllr Bob Littlewood said hopes now lie with the company that will take over the Greater Anglia Metro service from Liverpool Street to Shenfield ahead of Crossrail in 2017.

He added: “It seems that the main possibility for Seven Kings is getting the new contract to do all the disabled access.

“We have asked Crossrail why the plans were changed but never really got a satisfactory answer.

“The new government cut the Crossrail budget by millions in 2010 but I don’t know why they chose to make Seven Kings the poor relation.”

Ilford station, in Cranbrook Road, was originally due for a complete re-build but will now only be altered.

The entrance hall will be expanded and the ticket gates lengthened for extra passengers.

There will be three new lifts to provide step-free access from platforms to street level and a “reconstructed” station front.

Goodmayes station, in Goodmayes Road, will be “reconfigured” to allow for three lifts.

Existing lifts will be used at Chadwell Heath station, in Station Road.

Platforms are being extended at all three stations to allow for the longer Crossrail trains and new information screens and CCTV will be installed.

Redbridge Council must approve the contractor’s plans for each station before work can start.