Businesses say they are losing out because of the ongoing works

TUBE bosses have said Kentish Town station will not re-open on time in a devastating blow to struggling traders and frustrated residents.

The station closed in June 2023 with the promise from Transport for London it would take no more than a year – but the new target date has been pushed back to September.

Karim Higah, who runs Simply Fine Foods on a parade next to the stop, said: “This has been completely devastating for our business. Our busiest times were from 5pm when people would get off the tube, come in and buy a bottle of wine, some fish or meat. That trade has completely disappeared.”

Karim Higah from Simply Fine Foods

Sameer Sardari, who runs the Fone Masters mobile phone shop, said: “Our business is at least 50 per cent down since the station closed. It seems wrong that they now say the opening will be delayed for another three months because they have to put up some signs and clear up the mess. It doesn’t sound right.”

Paul Davis, who owned the Lady Hamilton pub on the high street, was forced to close late last year – and said his fall in takings was linked to the tube station closing.

Ian Grant

The Kentish Town Neighbourhood Forum chairman Ian Grant told the New Journal the works had “been a disaster” and questioned the decision not to install lifts to increase access for all.  Camden Disability Action organised a petition and held a demonstration about the lack of lifts, but decided against a legal challenge under the Equality Act 2010.

A TfL spokesperson said: “During unrelated work to improve other parts of the station we identified assets that require essential repair to allow the station to operate safely. Our engineers are doing everything possible to reopen the station, which is projected to happen in September.”

TfL confirmed to the New Journal yesterday (Wednesday) there would be no compensation paid to businesses who had been hit by the tube closure, and there are no plans to include a lift to make the station access friendly for all.