Network Rail have completed improvements at Chalkwell station, Southend-on-Sea, and there are more improvements on the way at Tilbury Town, Laindon, Shoeburyness and Chafford Hundred stations.

The work which was funded through the National Stations Improvement Programme and by Southend Corough Council, included:

•Wider pavement outside the station

•Refurbished booking hall including a new automatic door at the front of the station

•New traditional cycle racks and a number of beach hut style secure cycle parking next to the station building


•New toilets

•Internal refurbished footbridge

•New shelter on the London-bound platform

Andy Bottom, general manager, said: "An important part of building a bigger and better railway is to provide facilities at stations which better meet the needs of today’s passengers. This upgrade at Chalkwell will bring long-lasting benefits for passengers who use it every day."

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's executive councillor for public protection, waste and transport, Tony Cox, said: "The work we have undertaken to improve the pavement outside the station and provide better facilities for cyclists will compliment the enhancements Network Rail has carried out to the station itself. We hope that the new facilities will encourage more people to cycle to Chalkwell Station rather than take their cars, which will help improve the environment to the benefit of everyone in the borough."

(CD)