Groups unite tomake station abrighter place

But now they want more people to be able to enjoy how the station looks by getting a better stopping service.

Currently there are no trains that stop at Winchelsea during the day on Sundays even though it is one of the main access points to the historic town and the beautiful Brede Valley, which is popular with walkers.

John Spencer, co-chairman of Three Oaks and Winchelsea Action for Rail Transport THWART, said: “Thanks to the wonderful work of the Winchelsea Garden Society we were able to fill four old planters and two new ones with summer flowers and shrubs.

The Association of Community Rail Partnerships were very generous with two grants and Southern Railway kindly allowed us all on the station platform to do the work in sometimes wet and windy conditions.

“East Sussex CRP is part of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), and they advised us too.

“Howard Norton Chairman of the Garden society deserves special thanks.

“Aside from the planters, St. Thomas school artwork is also on display at the station.

“We would like people to come and use the stations at Three Oaks and Winchelsea, both have easy access.

Winchelsea station has now got CCTV cameras covering most of the station and Car Park.”

The stopping service to smaller stations on the Rye line was severely cut back with the introduction of the two carriage Ashford to Brighton express train. It left many people in the rural areas isolated.

Due to the hard work of campaigners Southern have now introduced two-hourly stops in both directions. But the service at Doleham Station is still virtually nonexistent and there is no Sunday service.