After her Freedom of Information request revealed that the lifts providing step-free access at Oakwood tube station have been closed 14 times during the past year, and local residents complained of 7 closures in a period of just two weeks, Caroline Pidgeon told the Enfield Independent:
"It is a disgrace that London Underground are denying access to the Tube for many disabled people and others who rely on using a lift at Oakwood Tube station, simply due to a lack of trained staff.
"Disabled people, along with parents with prams and buggies, already have to put up with extensive lift closures due to maintenance and replacement work. However, it just adds insult to injury to have to also face closures, which have no advanced notice, but which could so easily be avoided.
"Urgent action is needed to ensure the Underground has far more staff trained to supervise the operation of its lifts. Closures of lifts, simply due to an absence of trained staff, must become a thing of the past."