FOLLOWING the publication of a blueprint for the future of rail services in the borough, Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer has repeated the call for a new footbridge at North Sheen station.

Ms Kramer, along with Cllr Celia Hodges, ward councillor for North Richmond, met with Network Rail, the operator of Britain's rail infrastructure, earlier this month to press for a new bridge at the station. Ms Kramer also met with them earlier this week to discuss new plans for services from south west London to Waterloo. Network Rail unveiled 27 options for meeting the growing demand on the busy lines into London Waterloo, including additional services, longer trains and platforms, and the redevelopment of Waterloo, and is asking the public for their opinions on them.

Ms Kramer said: "We have been working with the local community for some time to get a better arrangement at North Sheen station. Earlier campaigning won a high level of support. Currently we have a situation which is downright inconvenient and potentially unsafe.

"At the meeting we told Network Rail that a new footbridge is essential and that the local community backs this. The best way to make the voice of the local community heard is to petition residents and to submit this as part of the public consultation.

"There is a whole raft of issues within the constituency on rail services and the state of some stations. I have pressed the case for greater platform capacity at Waterloo when Eurostar leaves in 2007 as part of a package of improvements for local commuters.

"I would urge local residents and community organisations to respond to the overall Network Rail Plan."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We are aware of local concerns about the footbridge at North Sheen station. We will be arranging a site visit so that we can look into the situation further and see what can be done to address access issues at the station." The consultation options can be seen at www.networkrail.co.uk, to comment on it write to National RUS Consultation Manager, Network Rail, 8th Floor, 40 Melton Street, London NW1 2 EE.