Sussex stations benefit from £1.8 million improvement programme

Eleven Southern stations in East and West Sussex have benefitted from a £1.8 million improvement programme over the last year by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

For the first time, eight of the stations now have customer information screens. Accessibility and security improvements have been made at Angmering, and the main entrance and frontage at Worthing have been improved.

Much of the money that has provided better accessibility, customer information, and environmental sustainability, came from Southern's “Minor Works and Small Station Improvements” fund, and local authorities also provided additional funding at some of the stations.

Technology has accounted for much of the investment, with new customer information screens or public announcement systems installed at a dozen small rural stations, most being in East and West Sussex at Bishopstone, Doleham, Newhaven Harbour, Normans Bay, Pevensey Bay, Three Oaks, Warnham, and Winchelsea.

At Angmering, the accessible entrance to Platform 1 has been improved, with extra lighting, upgraded CCTV and communication systems, and a re-graded entrance footpath. On the station forecourt, the accessible parking bay lines have been repainted, the entrance footpath widened with drop-kerbs, and canopies provided over the ticket vending machines.

At Worthing, the main station entrance has been redecorated in collaboration with West Sussex County Council's major forecourt remodelling scheme.

At Falmer, signage that points to the important destinations served by the station, AMEX Stadium, universities, and Stanmer Park has been improved.

Feasibility studies have also been carried out into adapting disused station buildings for new uses and where the provision of toilets could be increased.

Stephen MacCallaugh, Southern's Head of Stations, said: “Most of these projects were suggested by local communities and station teams. They might be small schemes but they address local needs and make a big difference for many of our customers.

“We're constantly working to make our train services and stations more attractive and accessible, to give our passengers a better all-round journey experience. And among our station teams, the improvements also foster pride in their workplace.”