A disabled woman has won a two-year battle to have a lift installed at Petts Wood station.

Paula Peters, of Poverest Road, Orpington, runs the Bromley branch of Disabled People Against Cuts.

The group campaigns for, among other things, better access to public transport in the borough and one battle has finally been won.

The government announced yesterday Petts Wood is one of 18 stations in London and the south east to receive a share of a £100 million fund to improve access for disabled passengers.

St Mary Cray station will also receive a share of the fund.

Mrs Peters, 42, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, said: "Petts Wood station is my local station and it is a nightmare for disabled people to use.

"Those steps are really dangerous - they are difficult to navigate, especially in the winter months when there is frost, not only for disabled people, but for elderly people as well.

"I am thrilled to bits about the news. It is a really, really positive move - safety and independence are so important.

"There are still battles to come and I will continue the fight for all disabled to be able to use public transport across the borough."

A spokeswoman for Transport for All, which provides advice and information to disabled and older people using the transport system in London, said: ""This is great news for older and disabled transport users.

"Stepfree access to stations enables us not only to use the train but also to get to work, see friends and family and enjoy all that London has to offer.

"However, we remain concerned about cuts to access for all funding. Less than a fifth of UK stations are accessible.

"We urge the government and rail companies to increase funding for rail access improvements, so disabled and older people are able to get out and about with the same freedom and independence as everyone else."

Rail minister Baroness Susan Kramer said: "We are transforming our railways through record levels of investment and improving accessibility at stations is an important part of that.

"These improvements will make a real difference to the lives of disabled passengers and those with limited mobility, allowing them to get to work and pursue leisure activities more easily."

Designs and costing for each station will be drawn up by Network Rail, and the projects will be completed by 2019.