Calls have been made for an ‘essential’ lift to be installed in Hampstead Heath railway station.

A London Overground passenger board has said the station needs the lift so that people with mobility problems can use it to get to the Royal Free Hospital.

Hampstead Town councillor Linda Chung has welcomed the proposal.

She said: “I think it’s absolutely essential. It’s ludicrous – it’s a travelling point and it forces a lot of people, who may have difficulty getting up and down stairs, to try to do so.

“It’s totally essential, particularly for those who use the Royal Free. One should go in as soon as possible.”

She added that residents would be keen to use the line next year during the Olympics, connecting Hampstead to Stratford and the Olympic Stadium.

Ed Fordham, who represents the interests of the north west London area on the passenger panel, said it is unlikely the plans will be put in place in time for the Olympics. “It’s a lot of money and I don’t think London Overground Rail Operations Limited have got the money in the next three years, that’s my impression,” he said.

No-one from LOROL was available for comment.