Improvements welcomed at three Southern stations

Three Southern stations have been given facelifts following suggestions put forward by rail users.

A raft of improvement work has taken place at Lingfield, Whyteleafe and Oxted stations, prior to the UK going into lockdown, to make them more comfortable and welcoming for passengers.

Lingfield has received new platform benches, toilet improvements and landscaping work. Passengers are also looking forward to the station’s old storeroom being converted into a modern, heated waiting room. Work on the waiting room has started, but is currently paused due to Covid-19.

Chair of Lingfield Parish Council Vivien Hepworth said: “Lingfield Parish Council is pleased to see improvements to Lingfield station as a result of the Passenger Benefit Fund. We are sure these improvements will be welcomed by passengers.”

Whyteleafe’s toilet has received a complete renovation with new tiling and extra baby-change facilities, improvements passengers had been keen to see for some time.

East Surrey Transport Committee was among the voices calling for this improvement. The group’s Chair Charles King said: “I’m fully appreciative of the work; it’s a big improvement.”

Oxted station has new wooden benches on platforms one and two, replacing old metal seating, and the waiting shelter has also been refreshed with new paintwork. All the toilets have undergone a major refurbishment with new floor-to-ceiling tiling, new flooring, new toilets, sinks and hand dryers.

The improvements were made following feedback from the Sussex Community Rail Partnership and directly from passengers to station staff.

Oxted Station Manager Donna Anderson said: “The toilets have been transformed and are much improved. We’ve also had positive feedback from passengers about the new, more comfortable benches and smarter looking shelter.”

Photo credit: Govia Thameslink

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