Transport for London (TfL) has today announced that Cally Road Tube station is set to remain open while its lifts are repaired, thanks to legal action taken by Islington council.

The council first raised concerns with TfL last year, after plans were revealed to close the station for eight months in order to carry out lift repair work.

TfL halted its plans in January, after legal action by the council drew attention to the impact that closing the step-free station would have on disabled and elderly residents.

Today TfL has confirmed a revised plan for the works, which will see the lifts repaired one after the other over an 18-month period so the station can remain open throughout.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for environment and transport, said: “We very much welcome the decision to keep Caledonian Road Tube station open while its lifts are repaired.

“This is great news for everyone who relies on the station -; especially for elderly and disabled residents, and also the surrounding businesses, which would have faced a dramatic drop in trade.

“I’d like to thank TfL for making this decision, which is the right one for our community and means this important work can go ahead with much less disruption.”

Local Labour councillors for Holloway and Caledonian wards have also welcomed the decision.

Cllr. Paul Smith, Holloway ward councillor, added:

‘This is a huge victory and I’m delighted that TfL have made the right decision to keep the station open. I’d also like to thank the residents who have supported our campaign to make TfL think again.”

TfL have yet to confirm the dates for the start of the works, but will be communicating with station users as soon as this has been announced.