Why hasn't Hitchin train station got eastern access yet?

Conservative Bim Afolami and his Labour rival Alistair Strathern have both signalled a desire to see the station provide better pedestrian access on its east side.

But with Polling Day looming, a resolution appears no closer than it was in 2022 when council bosses said they were 'committed' to delivering the project.

What's the issue?

Opening back in 1850, Hitchin Railway Station provides vital transport links to London and the rest of Hertfordshire. 

Eastern access to the station has been a hotly debated issue (Image: PA) Around 8,500 people live on the east side of Hitchin, but are unable to easily access the station - instead being forced to walk on a narrow path under the railway bridge. 

Campaigners argue that it is vital for work to be done to create a new eastern entrance to the station that would improve safety and reduce congestion, with a petition launched back in 2022.

Who wants to see it happen?

Seemingly, everybody.

Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden MP 2017-24) has campaigned on the issue since 2022, backing petitions and speaking in Parliament to draw attention to the issue. He has called on the government to provide money for the work as part of its Levelling Up Fund.

In August of that year, North Herts Council said they were "very much committed" to the project but warned there were too many 'unknowns' and promised to consult residents.

However, last January councillors provided an update in which the plans were put on ice.

Cllr Ruth Brown blamed costs, noting that while the council had applied for levelling up money, the operational costs to the station would be prohibitive.

Despite this, she insisted that the council were still "keen" on the project and it would progress when more funding became available.

In an interview with The Comet last week, Mr Afolami expressed his frustration at the lack of progress on the issue, describing it as the 'biggest disappointment' of his seven years in Parliament.

He laid the blame at the feet of the council, claiming they had dragged their feet and missed out on funding from central government.

Mr Strathern also highlighted the issue in an interview with The Comet. Putting transport at the heart of Labour's offer in Hitchin, he said he wants to make progress on delivering eastern access.

Labour councillor for Hitchin, Elizabeth Dennis, said: "The council for a long time tried to get the relevant parties around the table on this issue.

"Officers had considered installing a footbridge or subway access. However, the project costs would have been in excess of £20m.

"The Levelling Up Fund would have forced us onto a tight programme for getting spades in the ground. If we hadn't met this we'd have been on the hook for this money which would be a significant risk.

"We took the view that this was not going to be a viable project and that bidding alone would cost £20k, something we didn't think was a good use of taxpayers money."

She notes that a meeting had been planned for this month, before the election was called, and she remains hopeful that progress will be made imminently. 

Read more:

• Election 2024: Hitchin candidate Bim Afolami interview

•  Election 2024: Hitchin candidate Alistair Strathern interview

• Election 2024: Hitchin candidate mission statements

What happens now?

In the short term, the General Election. With polls suggesting either Mr Afolami or Mr Strathern will be elected, pressure will be on the winner to deliver on this pledge. 

While all parties remain 'committed' to the project, it could be a while before residents see the changes to their commute.

As well as Mr Strathern and Mr Afolami, the other candidates in Hitchin at the General Election are: Chris Lucas (Liberal Democrats), Charles Bunker (Reform UK), Will Lavin (Green Party) and Sid Cordle (Christian People's Alliance).