Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, visited Eridge train station yesterday
She was at the station, on the line from Oxted to Uckfield which also connects with the Spa Valley Railway, to see progress made to step-free access upgrades and general refurbishment of the station.
Eridge station, which recently celebrated its 153rd birthday, has been undergoing several upgrades this year. The multi-million-pound scheme delivered as part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme includes a new lift, new footbridge, new waiting room, renovations of platform signs and artwork on platform buildings.
The restoration has been undertaken to complement the character of the Spa Valley Railway, acknowledging the station’s history and architecture. The previously derelict waiting room has become the main feature of the station, boasting new seating, library shelving and original architect drawings.
There is still more to come with ongoing work on the installation of the lift planned to be completed in the next few months. An accessible ramp at the station entrance will also be installed as part of the scheme.
Nus Ghani said: “Train travel is a vital form of transport for Wealden residents and securing improvements to rail services in Wealden remains one of my priorities. I’m pleased to have secured multi-million-pound funding for vital accessibility improvements at Eridge and Crowborough train stations and I was delighted to see the progress made at Eridge station so far. The heritage-style refurbishment of the platform and waiting room will greatly improve the overall passenger experience, and the step-free access will ensure that Wealden’s rail network is both fit for the future and accessible for everyone. Thank you to all the contractors and volunteers involved in delivering this project for Eridge.”
Sharon Gray, Community Rail Development Officer at Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, said: “Tremendous work has gone into the restoration of this beautiful station, and I’m pleased that it received the care and attention it deserves for serving rural communities around Eridge. With further improvements to its accessibility underway, it can soon welcome all commuters, regardless of their mobility or their need for assistance.”
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