Improved disabled access at Elstree and Borehamwood train station remains a distant hope despite new legislation coming into force in October.

To get off a train at Borehamwood, people with mobility difficulties travelling from London have to go as far as Luton Airport Parkway to change platforms and come back.

They have to pay the extra fare and arrange for assistance to help them off the train in advance.

Unfortunately, the new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will not change the fact that people with mobility problems can only access one platform at the station.

Although new rules will force rail companies such as Thameslink to look closely at improving access, reasonable alternatives' can be offered instead.

"We have to step up our efforts," admitted a Thameslink spokesman. He said disabled customers could book someone to assist them 24 hours in advance of a journey.

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) hopes to win a landmark legal case soon to make train companies responsible for the long round trips disabled people are forced to make.

"We are coming down hard on rail companies it is their responsibilty to improve access," said the DRC's Will Dingli.

For the vast majority of disabled residents in the area, train travel is simply not a realistic option.

Peter Hewitt, of Maydwell Lodge, Borehamwood, who uses a powered wheelchair, said: "I cannot even contemplate using the rail station."

Sue Richards, of Clarendon Road, added: "They do not consider us at all. If the facilities were better, I would use the trains but there is no help."

People with pushchairs and heavy luggage also struggle across the station's staircases on a daily basis.

Chris Mair, public affairs manager at Network Rail, the company responsible for railway infrastructure, said: "There is sympathy about the access to stations like Elstree and Borehamwood, but until senior strategists put together the plans and investment, the matter is not going to change in the short-term."

Hertsmere Borough Council's head of planning, Richard Grove, said the station was only likely to get diasabled access through a major redevelopment scheme.