So it seems that people with mobility problems will not be the only ones inconvenienced by the new Elstree and Borehamwood Rail Station.

This week Railtrack's plan was criticised because although the station is being moved, the footbridge will remain in its present position.

As a result, passengers will be forced to walk around 100 feet up from the position of the new station to cross between the platforms.

Earlier this year Railtrack came under fire because it was not willing to provide disabled access to all platforms as part of the new scheme.

It estimated that building a lift to allow people with mobility problems to reach platforms two, three and four would cost around £1 million.

This means that, to use the station, they either have to change to ensure their journey finishes at platform one or book a Thameslink porter to assist them.

This week Railtrack claimed it had set itself a target of providing mobility impaired access at all its stations within 20 years.

The new station will be situated nearer to Elstree Tunnel, leaving its current site to be used for the building of offices.

It is through the sale of this office block that Railtrack plans to raise the £600,000 it needs to fund the station development.

This half-hearted scheme may provide us with a smarter-looking station, but it is likely to be even less convenient to use than the existing building.