South West Trains has been slammed by transport campaigners who claim the rail group ignored a petition signed by more than 1,000 people calling for step-free access at Merton stations.

Wimbledon Liberal Democrats have been campaigning since last summer for improved access to Raynes Park and Motspur Park Stations for buggy and wheelchair-users.

But despite 1,200 people signing their petition, SWT failed to recommend the stations to the Department for Transport (DfT) to benefit from its "Access for All" fund - a scheme which invites rail companies to bid for money for accessibility schemes.

Nearly one year later, and only after intervention from London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon, SWT finally confirmed the stations had not been put forward.

A SWT spokesman said: "The nearest stations to Motspur Park and Raynes Park are already fully accessible and therefore any funding bid would not have met the necessary criteria.

"We will continue to closely monitor any further funding opportunities, including third party contributions, to develop additional accessibility schemes."

Lib Dem Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes, who represents West Barnes ward, said: "Expecting passengers with heavy luggage or buggies, and those who cannot manage the stairs, to go to Worcester Park or New Malden stations is unreasonable.

"It's not enough to say that people can call the "Passenger Assist" service, life just doesn't work like that.

"Real equality means everyone should be able to access the trains without huge extra effort".

People who are unable to access platforms at the stations are offered a free taxi service to the nearest fully accessible station when they book travel assistance through SWT's helpline 0800 52 82 100.

Wimbledon Lib Dems will continue to campaign for step free access at both stations. 

You can sign the petition for Raynes Park Station here

Got an opinion? Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.