To put the temporary detour in context, I would point to a previous thread http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php...457&page=1 where I wanted a new escape route from Taymount Rise. In that case predictions of crimes meant that nobody was willing to find a solution to a 20 minute detour. In this case the inconvenience is temporary, the benefits are massive, the detour is small and not during the rush hour at the moment, and people over 60 have a second option via the platforms.
I think the change in routine is probably more upsetting for most people than any real hardship.
Perryman do you have any examples of lifts rising out of staircases elsewhere? I suspect they could be very dangerous.