At least ypu can't smash chicken wire

It was actually a remarkably quiet operation. At least, I was watching some of it (I back onto the other end of Platform One) before I went to bed, and it then didn't keep me awake or wake me up at any point. And the new bridge looks great.

That's not very aspirational!

Humble apologies. I was having a bad day at work!

The new footbridge looks good.

I like the roof over the stairs, so much dryer and easier to use, and I think they are wider as well. The new bridge might actually be quicker to use than the subway.

Provided the rain, sleet or snow does not come sideways!

I can't wait to test that out. I think the staircases are longer and gentler, though, so my money in the Platform Two to WH Smith Crossing Sweepstakes is still on Subway.

I live on the wrong side of the tracks. So I don't care!

Has anyone been able to pick up a copy of the new timetable from the station? They used to have a shelf full of Southern branded leaflets which went as soon as TfL took over the station.

Nope - tried to get one the other day from FH ticket office and was told they's been sent the wrong ones and had to send them back.
I also asked for details of the Charing X services stopping (which had just been announced) and the guy said he didn't know anything about that, but he didn't think there would be many changes in the new timetable.

the new timetables are on the website and you can create a personalised on for your journey. There don't appear to be any changes between FH and LB during peak hours. (I haven't looked beyond 20.30hrs). http://www.southernrailway.com/

I asked for a timetable from the ticket office this morning and got one, so they must be in stock now.

Thanks, I'll go and pick up a copy tomorrow.

Report last at last night's Lewisham Transport liaison meeting that the new footbridge won't be open until April. Apparently the station needs a 'power upgrade' in order to serve the new lifts and the bridge lights. Seems like a long wait. Would have thought they could open the bridge in advance of the lifts.

What a patheticly botched job. Any normal contractor would have all the bits needed to complete the job before he started. Let's hope there will be sufficient track power for all the ELLX trains - before they start and grind to a halt. Or is this the responsibility of yet another different company. It seems the railways are run by too many companies, so they are unable to arrange a hooly in a brewery.

They only have the little timetables at FH - showing LB to Suton / Croydon - and you can't pick one up at Sharing Cross (naturally!).

Indeed, no Southern timetables at CX this time round. Last time they only had the Caterham/Tattenham Corner ones which don't show our stations.

I have been living in Forest Hill for a year now, in the Perry Vale side and whenever I need to go to the London road side I can't use the underpassage by the station as I have a one year old baby on a buggy. We have to go around Waldram Park Road, under the bridge. The problem is not that it's taking longer, but that the pavement there is elevated, with a curvy slope and no railings for most part. I have sometimes crossed path with wheelchair users and there's no room for both without getting frighteningly close to the traffic. When it snowed it was impossible to use that path as it was terribly slippery.
The same problems apply of course if you want to access the london bound side of the train station but it seems that there is no elevator planned from the Perry Vale side. We'll still have to walk around under the bridge and then access either platform from the main entrance. I understand the train company are probably covered as they offer step-free access to both platforms through one side, but how on earth are those of us with little children or wheelchair users do it? Shouldn't the council build a ramp round where the existing passageway is?

Many people (councillors, Lewisham Council, Forest Hill Society) have been lobbying for an exit to the station into the Perry Vale car park. This would provide step free access to the platform and access to the lifts (although you would probably need a ticket - so it might not be ideal for access to London Road). Unfortunately there is no sign of TfL / Network Rail implementing this scheme, even when the platforms are lengthened in the next two years.