£500,000 investment at Snodland station in Kent brings improved facilities

Snodland station has received a £500,000 facelift with a revamped footbridge and tactile paving on platforms to keep visually-impaired passengers safe.

The upgraded station includes tactile strips on platforms, handrails and staircase coverings, which will give passengers a welcoming environment and a better travel experience.

Fiona Taylor, Kent route director for Network Rail, said: “The footbridge at Snodland station was in need of some care and attention. It’s now been restored to its former glory, whilst the tactile paving will help passengers to keep safe on platforms. We’re committed to providing the best possible environment for passengers and this project will improve the safety and appearance of this historic station for many years to come.”

Caroline Wallis, station manager for Southeastern at Snodland, added: “We’re always wanting to do more for our passengers and this refurbishment makes a big difference to the station environment, improving the appearance and accessibility of the footbridge and ensuring the station’s platforms are brought up to the latest, modern standards.”

The station is on the Medway Valley Line in Kent, 36 miles down the line from London Charing Cross. There are two departures per hour to Maidstone West and Paddock Wood, with some trains continuing to Tonbridge at peak times, while in the other direction trains continue as far as Strood.

High speed services stop at Snodland between Maidstone West and London St Pancras in both directions at peak times.

A mural created by renowned street artist Lionel Stanhope and supported by the Kent Community Rail Partnership depicts white trees which link to a local school – Five Acre Wood.

Therese Hammond, Project Officer at Kent Community Rail Partnership, said: “The refurbished footbridge, tactile paving on the platforms, the colourful mural and station garden built and planted by Five Acre Wood students have improved the station environment for passengers and the local community.

“We are grateful to all involved and look forward to welcoming pre COVID passenger numbers back to the station, when safe to do so, to enjoy these improvements which we hope will result in an enhanced passenger experience.”

Photo credit: Network Rail

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