Kent's first new railway station in eight years opens for the first time today - but opponents have described the scheme as a “huge waste of money”.

Thanet Parkway, at Cliffsend between Ramsgate and Minster, has cost more than £35m, smashing its original budget of £11.2m.

One of the incentives for the scheme was shorter commutes to London, however bosses have said it will only be three minutes quicker on the high-speed line from Cliffsend.

They say the station will provide connections to a “wide range of leisure destinations”, but opponents argue the scheme is a waste of money as high-speed trains already run to the area.

Kent county councillor Barry Lewis (Lab) told KentOnline earlier this month that he fears unmonitored CCTV and a lack of workers will make the station a "mugger's paradise".

Network Rail moved to allay concerns, highlighting the station will come equipped with security lighting, cameras, and “remote assistance” for passengers.

But Cllr Lewis said: "“For vulnerable people - especially women on their own - it will be a dangerous place.

“It will be a mugger’s paradise because we have no on-platform staff and no monitored CCTV.

“CCTV that is unmanned only records crime - it doesn’t stop it.”

The station is accessed via a new road from the A299 Hengist Way and features two 250-metre platforms that will be able to accommodate 12-carriage trains.

There is also a car park with close to 300 spaces, including 16 for blue badge holders and electric vehicle charging points, and customers will be offered free parking from today for a limited time.

There were fears passengers travelling from existing Thanet stations would face longer travel times due to the extra stop, but Network Rail says work is ongoing to upgrade level crossings to prevent this.

Bosses at the train service provider also say the project will provide access to more employment opportunities for local residents and 60,000 new train trips a year using it.

They also hope it will also improve investment opportunities at Discovery Park in Sandwich and surrounding business parks in Thanet.

Passengers using the site will be able to visit places such as Canterbury (17 minutes), Margate (15 minutes), Ashford International (32 minutes) and Broadstairs (10 minutes).

The scheme, which was first proposed 13 years ago, is the first new railway station to be built in the county since Rochester gained a new facility in 2015.

Steve White, Southeastern’s managing director, said: “We’re excited to begin services at Thanet Parkway, some 90 years after the people of Cliffsend last had their own railway station.

“Working with our partners to enable the communities on our network to thrive is important to us, and Thanet Parkway will offer a live example of what can be achieved.

“All day high-speed services to St Pancras and peak services to London Bridge, Cannon Street and Charing Cross will bring new opportunities to experience the area’s tourist attractions as well as the many business and employment opportunities nearby.”