Just days before the third anniversary of the closure of Waterloo International Terminal, the total cost of keeping them closed so far has been revealed as exceeding more than £4 million of taxpayer’s money.
Research by Caroline Pidgeon, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, has also revealed that the numerous filming and other events at the empty platforms, such as the recent Railway Children production, have generated just a mere £61,852 over the same period.
Commenting on the situation, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“It is hard to think of anything more insulting to commuters than to get off a seriously overcrowded train at Waterloo station and to then be confronted by the scandalous sight of five empty train platforms. It is a further blow to discover that well over £4 million of taxpayers' money has already been spent simply to keep them boarded up.
“The closure of Waterloo International Terminal was long expected so it is simply intolerable that even after three years there are still no definite plans to put them into proper use.
“It is time that this scandalous waste of taxpayers' money ended and commuters are given a better deal. The Department for Transport and Ministers must ensure these huge platforms are put back into domestic use as quickly as possible.”
You can also read coverage of Caroline's findings on the BBC website, and a further BBC article on the motion tabled by 6 Lib Dem MPs calling for the platforms to be reopened.