Rail bosses have defended the decision to remove an image of St John the Evangelist from Rochester station.

The image was set to be displayed on the entrance of the recently revamped station, alongside other iconography inspired by the historic city’s cathedral.

“Station artwork decisions are taken locally and there are no national rules on what must or must not be included,” said a Network Rail spokesman.

“On this occasion, the artist was asked to depict imagery of the medieval architecture of Rochester.”

“The original design had several images of the Cathedral, some of which the artist replaced to allow more variety in the artwork but the others remain.”

However, the future of the image remained unclear today. When the Medway Messenger visited on Monday, station staff said they were unaware of what was happening to the saint but one said he had heard it was "staying".

Rochester’s heritage was a major source of inspiration for the display, with it housing the country’s second oldest cathedral.

The Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff, said he did not think other religious groups would have found the display offensive.

“Having worked with other religious groups, they do not find Christianity uncomfortable at all,” he said.

“I don’t think they will be offended but rather respect our expressions of faith.”

Despite the inevitable backlash, Network Rail said the new £26m station remains a “wonderful and modern addition to the heart of Rochester”.

“The new station is a wonderful and modern addition to the heart of Rochester, providing a fantastic gateway to the area and a spur for regeneration,” said a spokesman.

“It boasts a much bigger concourse and longer platforms, and an additional five trains now call there at peak times, bringing real benefits to passengers.”