Swanscombe and Greenhithe stations to receive share of Govia Thameslink fund
08:00, 16 September 2019
updated: 08:38, 16 September 2019
Passengers using rail services at Swanscombe and Greenhithe stations are set to benefit from a number of station upgrades.
Both Dartford-based stations will receive defibrillators to be made available to the general public and new water dispensers to help eliminate plastic usage.
Council members announced the upgrades at a local transport board meeting on Tuesday night.
The money will come from a passenger benefit fund provided by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
The Secretary of State for Transport announced last year all GTR managed stations would benefit from a £15m benefit fund to carry out 'tangible improvements for passengers' following a long summer of disruption to services.
Councillors identified many members of the public were not aware of the scheme and that it had been poorly advertised.
Councillor Sue Butterfill questioned whether the changes were merely 'cosmetic' and requested better access for vulnerable and disabled users be prioritised, as well as for those with push chairs.
The leader of the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Resident's Association said: "You don't have to spend a lot of money to make reasonable adjustments.
"We do need to try and do something, even if it's just a ramp or something."
Other ideas for where any leftover money could be allocated included upgrading the 'old and outdated' CCTV cameras at Swanscombe station.
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