c2c and Thurrock Council partnership brings improvements to Grays station

Customers using Grays train station are to benefit from accessibility improvements to the South side of the station on Station Approach, refurbishments to the underpass between platforms and general improvements to the environment around the station. The works are part of a joint project between Thurrock Council and c2c.

With the focus on integrated transport, the £170,000 jointly funded scheme aims to make it easier for customers to reach the station and then join trains for destinations such as London, Chafford Hundred and Southend.

A dedicated "kiss and ride" area will enable passengers arriving by car to be dropped off or picked up safely right outside the station.

Parking for disabled people will be improved and moved closer to the station.

Cycle storage will be relocated to the front of the station, doubled in size to accommodate 20 bicycles, provided with a more robust means of securing the cycle and, for the first time, will be covered.

While the front of the station is being smartened up, the underpass, currently in poor condition, is to be completely refurbished. New lighting will be installed and the stair treads and handrails will all be replaced to conform to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The floor will be tiled and the walls clad with white metal panels, similar to those in many of the modernised underground stations. The signage is being modernised with the needs of the partially sighted in mind. There will also be a station totem poll with pictograms indicating the facilities at the station.

The three-month project is scheduled for completion by the middle of April.

Route Director, Leila Frances welcomed the start of work. "Grays is a busy station serving a wide community both geographically and in terms of needs and requirements. The work that is now underway will make access to the station much easier, and make the approach to the station much more welcoming. At the same time the refurbishment of the underpass will be a welcome improvement. The project is a very good example of an integrated approach to transport and I am both delighted that c2c is involved and grateful to Thurrock Council for its contribution to this very impressive project. When the work is finished Grays will be a station of which its users can be proud of and demonstrates c2c's commitment to working in partnership to improve facilities for the people of Thurrock."

Cllr Gareth Davies, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: Thurrock Council is totally committed to developing a local transport network that is accessible to all. We are working with C2C so that together we can deliver a more accessible, safer and efficient service. Travel is fundamentally important to everyone and these improvements should enable rail users to make use of the service more easily and safely.