Sevenoaks MP Sir Michael Fallon helps secure funds for improvements at local stations

TIME is running out for train travellers in the Sevenoaks area to submit their views on how funding being provided by Govia Thameslink Railway to improve their stations should be spent.

Eynsford is one of the six stations in the Sevenoaks area set to benefit from funds for improvements.

Six stations in the Sevenoaks area will receive the funds as part of the railway company’s £15m contribution towards a Passenger Benefit Fund.

The stations to benefit are: Sevenoaks (£30,000); Bat & Ball (£80,000); Otford (£50,000); Shoreham (£80,000); Eynsford (£80,000); and Swanley (£50,000). They are receiving the additional funding for improvements, after Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon’s intervention.

Sir Michael put pressure on Transport Ministers in the House of Commons to reconsider the funding allocation, particularly because of the timetable chaos many Sevenoaks District commuters suffered last year. He also questioned the further delay to the awarding of the Kent Franchise, and when constituents will benefit from the promised new, longer train carriages.

The Sevenoaks MP said: “My constituents pay some of the highest proportion of their weekly salaries in the south-east on rail fares. They deserve better value. Station developments can make a real difference to the daily commute. I have asked local commuters at each station for their ideas on the specific improvements that they would like to see made.”

A letter sent to Sir Michael

by Patrick Ladbury, a member of the Govia Thameslink Railway Passenger Benefit Engagement Team, said: “We will be engaging with passenger groups and councils in your constituency to understand how they would like the money to be spent on schemes that benefit passengers across our services.

These stakeholders will be asked to submit ideas ready for a selection and approval process starting in August.  Further details about the fund and how groups can select their preferred schemes can be found at the fund website.”

* At time of this story (3 July 2019), there are only 28 days left to submit your views.