'Worst' of Northern Line to be upgraded
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ten of the Underground's 'worst stations' are to be refurbished. The pounds 60m four-year project will focus on the Northern Line stops between (and including) Clapham North and Morden, as well as Oval. Work has been delayed by a shortage of funds and the stations have had to wait more than a decade for a lick of paint.
To judge conditions, London Underground used marketing agencies to visit stations without the staff's knowledge. Over a two-year period they noted the deterioration of passageways, platforms and atmosphere.
When they awarded each an overall score these ten Northern Line stations were among the lowest.
At the Oval platform walls are devoid of colour and life, having been stripped of posters and paint has peeled away to reveal dirty white plaster.
Bundles of cables hang just above head height over the entrance to one tunnel, having fallen from wall clips; people riding up the escalator are greeted with bare wooden rafters holding up the ticket hall roof.
An overall sense of fear pervades the station, in contrast to the brightness of Waterloo and Embankment, a couple of stops to the north.
These ten stations are among the oldest on the network. Clapham South, Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon all have listed buildings and LUL is working with English Heritage to preserve their characters. Work has begun at Clapham North and Morden.
Closed circuit television, help points, modern fire fighting equipment, mirrors and points where staff are visible are being added to platforms, corridors and ticket halls.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments