Raft of improvements to Uckfield Train Station

By pgilham

UCKFIELD Rail Station is to be revamped following Southern Railway's retention of the South Central rail franchise.

A 24-hour CCTV system will be installed, the platforms and toilets will be "spruced up" and a later service from London Bridge is to be introduced.

The positive news follows a troubled time for the station.

In October the ticket office was closed after it became infested with rats. It was deemed "not fit for staff" and eventually replaced with a temporary building.

Govia, the operator with the five-year and 10-month contract, said the revamp will start in September.

The new Monday to Saturday evening service from London Bridge will start in 2010.

Secretary of the Uckfield Line Rail Extensions Group and Uckfield town councillor Ian Smith said: "The late-night train is something we have been asking for for a long time, so it's a stunning success that we have got that included now.

"The line is a vibrant and expanding service, it needs to now join up at the other end.

"We can only hope this will encourage more people to use it and that this will make a positive case for the reinstatement of the line to Lewes."

Govia chairman Keith Ludeman said: "This is a commercially robust rail network which we know well and have operated since 2001.

"During this period, Govia has overseen a £1 billion investment programme in rolling stock, depots, stations and staff. This has established an excellent platform from which we can now launch the new franchise, further improve service quality and expand the passenger market."

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