Transport for London (TfL) has said that the scaffolding is necessary while it carries out “structural assessments” of Willesden Green station building.
Three local Brent councillors, Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller, as well as London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow Krupesh Hirani, have now written to Network Rail and TfL over concerns about the impact of the works.
They claim that the scaffolding is causing “significant disruption and inconvenience” to local people, businesses and commuters.
“The scaffolding occupies a substantial portion of the pavement, severely restricting pedestrian access in an already congested area with high footfall,” they say.
“It is by a busy bus stop, which further impacts pedestrian space.”
The councillors add that the hoardings have been “fly-posted and graffitied on”, and that they believe the scaffolding is contributing to “crime and anti-social behaviour”.
“This obstruction poses serious safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility impairments, and creates an unpleasant and unwelcoming environment for all,” the letter continues.
The group has now called for TfL and Network Rail to develop a plan for the removal of the scaffolding, and establish a timeline for the completion of all necessary works.
They say that the situation has been allowed to “drag on for far too long”, and that the presence of scaffolding is “unacceptable” and must be addressed “as a matter of urgency”.
TfL has now told Brent and Kilburn Times that it is behind the work at the station, and not Network Rail.
A spokesperson said: “It’s necessary for the scaffolding at Willesden Green Tube station to remain in place while we carry out structural assessments to the station building.
“Once the remedial work planned for this year is completed, the scaffolding will be removed.”
No further details were provided as to the exact nature of the work being carried out, or if there was a timeline for when repairs would be finished, and scaffolding removed.
