Work starts on station revamp

Scaffolding took three and a half weeks to erect in preparation for the work which is costing around 900,000 with completion expected before Christmas.

Workers began stripping out the dilapidated glass canopy and started refurbishment of one of the access ramps as part of the revamp being undertaken by Construction Partnership, a joint project between Network Rail and Geoffrey Osborne Ltd.

The programme will also see improvements to the link bridge and new windows and roof covering and the removal of a redundant access walkway plus new lighting on the ramps and bridge.

The station is a flurry of activity as, in addition to the renovation works, there are gangs of orange-jacketed workers upgrading the signal cabling.

Network Rail came to an agreement to do some of the work after they were pursued through the courts by Rother District Council in an attempt to get money spent on the tatty central gateway to Bexhill.

Three years ago, 700,000 worth of repairs was made to the Victorian canopy roof and brickwork but opinion was that this made little impact on the deplorable state of the building.

Now repairs will put the station back on track and complete the rail company's restoration programme to its major stations.

On Wednesday the town's MP Greg Barker visited the station to see how the work was progressing and met with site manager Michael Morren-Wilkins. Afterwards, Mr Barker said he was very encouraged to see good progress being made.

"The station had got into a really shocking state and these essential improvements are long overdue. The fact they are now being implemented is to be welcome but is due in no small part to the pressure put on Network Rail by Graham Gubby (leader) and the team at Rother District Council.

"There is an important conservation element involved in the work going on here but this is also about creating a pleasant environment for travelling Bexhillians and a welcoming face for the town and for its visitors."

Councillor Bill Clements, former deputy leader of Rother, was delighted that at last work had started on refurbishment.

"The station could be an outstanding building in our town and when looking for regeneration I think this is a big step forward. It's been a long time coming to fruition."