This station has recently become much more important to Heathrow Express users. This is because of the change in the operating pattern of the Circle Line, which now no longer serves the City directly from the Circle and District Line platforms. It's good to see that the platform environment has been much improved over the last few weeks.

The main visual impact is light. The station is much more light and airy. At the London end in particular, the area has been significantly enhanced with the demolition of some walls and overhead structures, so there is now much natural daylight.

At the other end, the out-of-use footbridge which only went to the adjacent platform has been removed. This too has created more light and more space.

Some of the clutter has also gone from the platforms.

In addition, the Next Train information system is much better.

As yet, there is no sign of a lift (elevator). This would be a major benefit to passengers with heavy luggage - and at a major London terminus handling a lot of holiday traffic as well as the Heathrow Express, this is a major issue. However, there is space, so we can hope!

Indeed, the facilities for changing level constitute the major remaining drawback. The stairs to the footbridge, the only exit from the platforms, get very congested in the peak (although the staff do their best). And there is also congestion by the ticket machines as you emerge onto the main station overbridge.

But overall, the station is significantly better than it was.