A councillor has written a strongly worded letter to Network Rail after growing fed up with the “shambolic” refurbishment of Putney Station.

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Deputy leader of the council Jonathan Cook wrote to the company’s chief executive, Mark Carne, complaining of multiple failures to meet promised deadlines.

In his letter Mr Cook expressed the borough’s “extreme disappointment and frustration” with the lack of progress.

The station was desperately in need of modernisation because it frequently became overcrowded at peak times and was often inaccessible due to the steep stairs.

Network Rail announced their upgrade plans in 2012 and stated the project would be completed in March 2014.

Coun Cook said: “What should have been a good news story at the beginning of this year has turned into a tale of misery for our residents and workers.

“We have been particularly frustrated by Network Rail’s seeming inability to provide a clear timetable for their work when it became very apparent that original deadlines were not going to be met.”

Coun Cook lists a series of issues including designing the station ‘on the hoof’, not having a clear plan for step-free access to the street, a lack of live train information, no canopy over one of the major platforms and a lack of urgency.

He added: “I would be grateful if you would investigate why we have had to endure this shambolic process and use your influence to bring this project to a speedy conclusion.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Putney station is much-improved with a new concourse, which has been open for several months, and lifts.

"A further package of improvements, which received funding-approval in March this year, is currently being designed. These will include improvements to the ticket facilities, retail offering and the appearance of the station façade.

"We are working closely with Wandsworth Council on planned improvements to the pavements to provide better access to the station. There are engineering considerations that we need to complete before any work starts, because of the age and nature of the bridge structure below.

"We are always happy to meet with councillors to discuss the project and we have made considerable efforts to keep all our stakeholders updated with progress."