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Monday 21 Feb 2005

GOOD NEWS FOR PASSENGERS: WORK STARTS ON NEW STATION BUILDING AT PITSEA

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Work starts today to construct the eagerly awaited new station building at Pitsea, on the busy London to Southend line, funded in partnership by Network Rail and train operator c2c. The £1 million scheme will replace the temporary ticket office with a brand new booking hall.  Automatic sliding glass doors will give access to the new booking office and passengers will benefit from a new waiting room, toilets and retail unit.  CCTV and automatic ticket gates will enhance security.   The station environment will also be improved by new fencing and paving and will be protected by night security gates and roller shutters at the entrance. Deborah Richards, Network Rail’s Director of Railway Estates, said: “Network Rail and c2c are delighted to announce the start of work at Pitsea.  We have worked together to secure the funds required to build passengers the modern, clean and safe station they deserve.”Later this week passengers will notice piling work taking place to support the new station building, prior to the start of construction.  Leila Frances, c2c Route Director, added: "Situated at the junction where the lines from London via Grays and London via Basildon meet, this is a busy and important station and for too long has been without the station facilities it needs.  The fact that work has now started is exciting and we will all be able to watch the work proceed and monitor progress knowing that, on completion, Pitsea will have the newest station building on the line.  With the most modern ticket issuing facilities, retail outlet, toilets and automatic ticket gates, customers at Pitsea will have a station to be proud of." Carried out by the appointed contractor May Gurney, the work is scheduled for completion by Autumn 2005.