Crossrail bosses were grilled by disability campaigners and people with mobility issues on plans for access to the new line on Tuesday.

At a meeting at the Redbridge Centre for Independent Living, in South Park Drive, Seven Kings, passengers discussed demands to make travelling easier for disabled and elderly people.

Station upgrades are planned for the line, which will join Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath with the new cross-London route.

But step-free access at Seven Kings station was dropped from plans in 2011.

The meeting was set up by campaign group Transport for All, who push for accessible and affordable public transport in London.

Campaigns and outreach co-ordinator Lianna Etkind said: “We hope this is the beginning of some real engagement with Crossrail.

“Hopefully in the next five years before it opens we can work with Crossrail and TfL to make sure it benefits all the residents in Redbridge, not just non-disabled ones.”

Elderly residents, people with disabilities and representatives from charities highlighted issues at stations, particularly step-free access.

But the trains themselves were also discussed, with calls for more space in carriages, more wheelchair parking and handrails to make standing easier.