The lack of step-free access at Whitton station has been labelled 'ludicrous' ahead of a public meeting about the station's future.

Whitton ward Conservative councillor Gareth Elliott said the absence of lifts or ramps at the station in Percy Road, at the top of Whitton High Street, meant it was 'off-limits' to a large proportion of people living in the area.

He has organised a meeting next Saturday, April 12, at which speakers will include transport minister Stephen Hammond, to address concerns about the station.

"Whitton station has no disabled access at all and for a large proportion of the population of Whitton and surrounding areas it's completely off-limits. That's not just disabled people; it's the elderly and young children too," said Mr Elliott.

"We've spoken to the relevant authorities about this and they've said Hounslow is nearby so people can use that, but that's not good enough. It's ludicrous not to be looking at providing step-free access at Whitton."

Mr Elliott's comments come ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup , the final of which will be staged at Twickenham Stadium, less than a mile from Whitton station.

They also follow concerns raised last month by Labour campaigners about graffiti at the station and overcrowding on carriages serving it.

Mr Elliott also said he was interested in the possibility of a new entrance to the station in Chertsey Road, which could be used by rugby fans travelling to Twickenham Stadium or Harlequins' home ground the Twickenham Stoop.

He said there had been no major refurbishment at the station since it opened in the 1930s, despite latest figures showing nearly 1.3 million journeys were made to and from the station in 2010/11 - more than at Walsall station the same year.

"We've already had regeneration of the High Street, which is looking fantastic. We want to improve the station as well," he added.

Mr Elliott said representatives from Network Rail and South West Trains (SWT) had been invited to the meeting but no one was able to attend.

SWT has said it planned to remove graffiti at the station as soon as possible, and would also secure windows on the bridge to prevent further vandalism.

An spokeswoman for the SWT-Network Rail said: "We understand the need for improvements to Whitton station and are working with partners to make improvements. However, all enhancements are subject to receiving relevant funding.

"We have therefore applied for funding from the Department for Transport under its Access for All Scheme and are working with partners to identify other opportunities for financial support. 

"We have asked Richmond Council for the opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the summit at a convenient date."

A Richmond Council spokesman said: “As part of our work to rejuvenate Whitton, Richmond Council is working with TfL (Transport for London), South West Trains and Network Rail to push for an upgrade for the station.

"There are development funds left over from the construction of Twickenham's South Stand and we are in discussion with the RFU (Rugby Football Union) as to whether this could be utilised as part funding of any upgrade to the station."

* The Whitton station meeting will take place next Saturday, April 12, from 5pm to 7pm, at St Phillip and St James Church Hall, in Hounslow Road, Whitton.