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A lack of trained staff on the Tube led to lifts on the network being out of action more than 300 times last year.

Transport for London statistics show there were 324 such instances — 350 per cent higher than the 72 times in 2015 and more than double the 126 instances in 2014. Passengers who need the lifts branded it “unacceptable”.

The shutdowns — due to a shortage of staff to operate the lifts — averaged three and a half hours but sometimes lasted all day. East Ham station on the District line topped the list with 199 closures. The figures do not include stoppages due to breakdowns or maintenance.

Caroline Pidgeon, Lib Dem member of the London Assembly and leader of the transport committee, said: “There can never be any excuses for stopping disabled people and other members of the public from using the London Underground due to a lack of trained staff.”

The campaign organisation Transport for All has met deputy mayor for transport Valerie Shawcross and Tube managing director Mark Wild to express its concerns. TfA trustee Mohammed Mohsanali, who is visually impaired and lives next to East Ham station, said: “For many disabled and older people, working lifts are essential for everyday travel as they are the only way of accessing Tube stations without using steps. Fewer than one in four Tube stations have step-free access and on any given day, some of these are closed due to lift maintenance works and breakages.

“When, on top of that, avoidable staff shortages shut lifts, it stops us being able to get to work, university, and to see friends and family.” TfA chairman Alan Benson said: “This unacceptable situation is getting worse.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan, in response to Ms Pidgeon, said 325 additional Tube station staff were due to be recruited this year and this would “help to ensure there are fewer instances of lifts being unavailable due to a lack of trained staff”.

He said two members of staff had historically been required to operate lifts but that a health and safety review had found only one was needed at East Ham, “which will result in improved lift availability” there.

Mr Wild said: “We understand how difficult it can be for our customers when lifts are temporarily taken out of service and we apologise for the disruption this causes.”

View from East Ham: 'It affects when i can take my baby out'

Victoria Raite, new mother, Plaistow: “In Plaistow or Upton Park, they have no lifts at all so you are forced to use these ones [at East Ham] — if they are even working. It affects my journey and when I can take my baby out. There needs to be more staff — it would make my life so much easier.”

Suprava Prajapati, 34, stay-at-home mother, East Ham: “[The lift] is always closed so I have to take out my baby and hope someone can help me down the stairs.

"Sometimes, people are in a rush and can’t help. Lifts should be improved everywhere on the Underground.”

Ballai Pillae, pensioner, 73, East Ham: “I have a bad leg so I can’t get up the stairs easily. From 9pm onwards, the lift is usually closed completely. It makes it so much harder to go shopping in the evenings.”