Aldwych tube station reaches end of the line

ALDWYCH Tube station and its spur off the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground, closed yesterday, ending an 88- year history of transporting

theatregoers and office workers, writes Danny Penman.

The station - which latterly opened during peak hours only - attracted about 450 commuters a day compared with 950 in 1971.

Originally known as Strand, the station opened in 1907 and temporarily closed in 1915 to provide shelter from Zeppelin raids for the Cabinet and War Office. During the Second World War, it was reserved for children during air raids.

London Underground said if the station had not closed, pounds 3.8m would have to have been spent replacing the lifts and another pounds 3m would have been needed for line maintenance.

'Closing Aldwych station is unfortunately the only sensible option at a time when prudent spending is essential,' a spokesman for London Underground said. 'While we sympathise with the inconvenience caused to a few customers, the money saved will go towards essential work on the rest of the Underground which will benefit many more customers.'

Commuters at the station were angry about the closure. 'They've been running it down for years and they've connived to make it less and less attractive to users,' one passenger said. Another was hoping to organise a remembrance party, and another said she hoped London Underground would preserve the interior as a 'museum' for future generations.

Rufus Barnes, secretary of London Regional Passengers' Committee blamed the closure on management misrepresenting the station's position on maps so that it appeared isolated from the main Tube system. He added: 'At a time when the Government is advocating greater use of public transport in urban areas we think it's wrong for any part of the system to be closed.'

(Photograph omitted)