The next step of an overhaul of Faversham's historic railway station has been revealed.

Plans to repair and restore the passenger subway to “improve the aesthetics” have been submitted by operator Southeastern after £130,000 of funding was secured.

The removal of peeling paintwork applied more than a decade ago is one of the updates planned by the rail franchise.

The station, which was rebuilt in 1898, was Grade II-listed in 1986.

Now, a listed building consent has been submitted to Swale Borough Council for the refurbishment of the passenger underpass.

Once approved, this will see the removal of paintwork on existing tiling, the removal of an existing cast iron handrail and replacement of another with stainless steel. The existing timber handrail and associated fixings to the platform stairwells will be decorated.

It comes after new lifts were installed at the station last December.

Peter Stapleton, head of facilities for Southeastern, said: “We are always wanting to do more for our passengers at Faversham station, with the historic station environment acting as an important gateway to our railway.

“We are pleased to announce that we have managed to secure £130,000 of funding to restore and repair the station subway, continuing the upgrade to the station infrastructure that began last year with the renewal of the lifts linked to the station’s subway as part of a £2 million package investment.

“We are liaising with our contractor to progress approval as soon as possible.”

The announcement follows months of lobbying by MP Helen Whately and the Faversham Society.

Mrs Whately said: “It’s great that the underpass at Faversham station is finally getting some attention.

“People visiting our town for the first time or returning home from work don’t deserve to be greeted by a grotty underpass with flaking paint and tiles coming off the walls.

“This work will go a long way to improving people’s experience of the station.”

Harold Goodwin, Faversham Society chairman, added: “Without the support of our MP, Helen Whately, in convening meetings with the railway companies we would not have got this far.

“It has taken a long campaign to achieve this and we welcome this first step towards restoring our station, a major gateway to our town, and part of the conservation area.”

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