DISABLED commuters are on track to benefit from multi-million pound plans to improve facilities at three train stations.

The Government has announced a £350m cash boost to make life easier for disabled people at 47 stations across the country.

The first wave of this investment will see a trio of the borough's mainline stations Lewisham, New Cross and Blackheath being made more user-friendly for disabled people.

Network Rail is due to inspect the three stations before deciding what improvements to make.

Early ideas include removing barriers to access and installing more wheelchair ramps.

Denise Smith, chairman of disability group the Campaign for Independent Living in Lewisham, is welcoming the plans to improve access.

She said: "Disabled people are hugely disadvantaged. We really rely on public transport to get around.

"But it is not just about wheelchair access.

"Other disabled people have to be catered for.

"Blind people need help to know where the edge of the platform is and must be able to hear regular information announcements."

Mrs Smith, of Somertrees Avenue, Grove Park, also hopes rail bosses will take the views of disabled people on board.

She added: "It is all very well having the money but it needs to be spent properly.

"This will only work if we are consulted. We use the services so we are in the best position to know what is needed."

The programme of improvements was announced last week by transport minister Derek Twigg.

The Department of Transport says it will confirm more details on how the money will be spent once Network Rail has completed its assessments of the stations.

Network Rail will then be responsible for carrying out the improvements, which should be completed within three years.