Since the announcement in the past two weeks that the Angel's Tube Station could face access restrictions, the BID has been working to ensure that the impact on the local economy is minimised. TfL and Islington Council met with the Angel Islington Business Improvement District to disclose that the escalators in the upper concourse - the longest on the underground network - are nearing the end of their lives and urgently need replacing. With the middle escalator non-operational since April 2026, the failure of a second, which is thought to be imminent, would necessitate the closure of the station altogether. For this reason TfL is looking to prolong the lives of the existing escalators by introducing an exit-only arrangement at weekends. While initially this was due to be introduced in the next few weeks, the BID sought a delay to protect the Christmas hospitality, culture and retail rush, which was agreed by TfL and will now be introduced from 2 January 2027, until new escalators can be manufactured and installed. The installation period is likely to be lengthy and disruptive, and the BID has asked TfL to attend its board meeting in November to provide further clarity on the transport body’s plans, including how the impact on Angel’s economy will be measured and mitigated. Ben Stephenson, Chief Executive of the BID was quoted in the Islington Tribune on 23 October, “We are really surprised that TfL let it get to a critical stage before informing the businesses who stand to lose the most.’ Ben called for a direct briefing to businesses, leading to a letter drop to all Angel businesses near the station, and sent a plea to customers that serve the Angel, asking them to support the area by doing their Christmas shopping and booking Christmas celebrations in the locality. Angel Islington BID will continue to advocate for businesses on this important issue, updating members with news as it becomes available.