A Havering councillor has spoken out about the plans for Romford station under the Crossrail scheme.

Cllr Andrew Curtin, cabinet member for culture, towns and communities, praised the strides the project will make in improving access for disabled people at the station, which he called “very welcome”.

However, he, and fellow councillors Wendy Brice-Thompson and Frederick Thompson, want to highlight the need for it to be environmentally-friendly.

He said: “We are keen that it should make an environmental improvement to Romford as well.

“We are keen to see Crossrail adapt any changes they may wish to make to the outside of the station and its impact on the street scene to bring out the best in the building, rather than just perhaps applying their corporate branding to it without trying to use them to enhance the qualities of this particular building and location.”

He added: “This can be done, my late father’s last job was as an architect to a major corporation and he spent much of his time adapting their corporate branding to different circumstances rather than just applying it universally.”

A Crossrail spokesman said: “We are planning significant improvements at Romford station to give the building a brighter, more open feel, while ensuring that it retains its Victorian character.

“Inside, the plans are for a larger, more spacious ticket hall and for three new lifts to provide step free access to every platform. “Outside, planned improvements include a new northern entrance, a substantially refurbished existing entrance and a number of other changes to enhance the look and the feel of the station.

“We recognise that the station needs to fit in well with the area around it and are currently working with the council to ensure that our plans reflect this.”

Residents who wish to be kept up to date with Crossrail developments should email andrew.curtin@havering.gov.uk or call 01708 432034.