Commuters have called on rail bosses to carry out a series of upgrades at a village station after claiming improvements were promised six years ago.

Passengers at Stone Crossing Station say there is an urgent need for Network Rail to invest in a revamp as numbers using the station are expected to grow.

Campaigners have listed new ticket machines, improved parking facilities and a pedestrian bridge over the station as top priorities and claim they were promised the bridge back in 2009.

Commuter Charlotte Woodley said: "There are a number of issues that can make using the station difficult, but above all we need the footbridge that was promised to us to be built.

"Lots of us feel that the crossing is a potential safety hazard and the alternative route when the crossing gate is closed is not practical for pushchairs or anyone with a mobility problem.

"Travelling to and from London each day, we see new bridges have been constructed at many stations but Stone still has not got one."

In October, Network Rail promised to extend the hours the level crossing is manned at the station after safety fears were raised about people going across the line.

The action was taken after Stone Parish Council revealed it had received “significant complaints” from people after talks of a new footbridge in 2009.

Network Rail had not responded to our request at the time of publication.

Commuters have received support from the council’s Labour leader Jonathon Hawkes, who says he wants to arrange a meeting between residents and Network Rail.

Cllr Hawkes said: "We really need Network Rail and Southeastern to improve our station and that starts with building the footbridge that was promised.

"The crossing gate is out of action too often and the alternative route isn’t acceptable.

"Passengers should not be expected to navigate a dimly lit alleyway to get home. Network Rail promised Stone a bridge over the line in 2009 – they need to keep to that commitment.

"Stone is a growing community and we need the facilities at our station to be brought into the 21st Century to meet the demands of the increasing number of people using the station.

"I’ll be asking Network Rail to meet with residents and myself to address their concerns."

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said he had spoken to rail bosses about the footbridge but revealed doubts over whether it will ever be built.

He said: "I have met with staff at Network Rail about this issue and they have told me they have researched the possibility of a pedestrian footbridge at Stone station, but that there simply isn’t enough space to build a bridge there.

"This is why they have given me the assurance that staff will keep the station crossing managed at all times when the trains are running."

A spokesman for Network Rail said the company was "currently reviewing its options for the future of the level crossing at Stone Station having already extended the working hours of the level crossing keeper.”

“At the moment it is not possible to provide any parking facilities at the station as Network Rail does not own any suitable land close to the station.

"We would welcome a meeting with the local Council and Member of Parliament to discuss the future of Stone station and how the growing community will affect services."