Work is underway at a London Underground station as part of a move towards step-free access for travellers.

Transport for London announced that “major works” are being carried out at Harrow-on-the-Hill station.

Teams are putting up new hoardings along platforms five and six, which, it explained, will allow them to start digging the new lift shafts.

The overall plans will see four new lifts installed at the station, as well as a new bridge that will give level access to the ticket hall.

Caroline Sheridan, London Underground’s director of renewals and enhancements, said the changes will make a “positive difference” to the thousands of people who use the station regularly.

She added that extra staff will be in place while the work is carried out, since they will restrict platform space in certain areas.

Local politicians campaigned for step-free access at Harrow-on-the-Hill and they celebrated when the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, included it in a £200 million transport upgrade-package.

Navin Shah, local assembly member representing Harrow and Brent, said: “This is going to make life easier for many residents, including parents with prams and those with disabilities.”

Then Harrow-council leader Cllr Sachin Shah agreed, describing the decision as “life-changing” for those who had been previously been denied travel opportunities.

The station, which will remain fully open for the duration of the works, is expected to be step-free by spring 2020.