People power in East Finchley has forced London Underground to take an embarrassing U-turn on ticket barriers installed at the station's back entrance.

The barriers, installed at the entrance leading from The Causeway to East End Road, were part of a London-wide project to furnish all Underground stations across the capital with ticket barriers. It meant passengers without a ticket would have had to take a lengthy detour round to the station's front entrance, off High Road.

Following complaints from more than 200 residents, Garden Suburb councillor John Marshall and Totteridge councillor Brian Coleman called a meeting with London Underground representatives to discuss the situation.

'They are going back to the drawing board on this and are hoping to reinstate the through-way. They will not be using the ticket barriers,' said Mr Marshall.

'I had 250 letters from individuals complaining. This is a victory for people power.'

A spokesman for London Underground confirmed the decision. 'The original plans would have meant that if you didn't have a ticket you would have to walk round to the front entrance. We are going to change our plans to allow people to go through to the main ticket hall,' he said.

Work to the Grade II listed building, which will involve removing the barriers and creating a corridor taking passengers to the main ticket area, is due to start this week. Work has been estimated to take four to six weeks.

icoe@london.newsquest.co.uk

Passengers win

barrier re-think