Legal action over tatty rail station

The tough move makes the district council the first local authority to take on the rail company in this way.

A report from Rother director of services, Tony Leonard, says Network Rail's "lack of care for this building has been deplorable."

The planning committee decided yesterday to enforce the legal notice after final negotiations failed to satisfy council officials.

Network Rail said in June it could not fund the revamp.

Negotiations turned up this offer, outlined in a letter to the council: "Network rail has identified sufficient funding to carry out remedial work to the link bridge and the ramps.

"The cost of this work is likely to be in the region of 1 million and I am sure you agree this represents a significant investment at Bexhill Station."

Rother leader Graham Gubby was not satisfied with Network Rail's offer.

He said: "It makes them a laughing stock really if that's what they believe is the minimum necessary to bring the outside appearance up to standard for rail users and this town. They are adding to their own embarrassment."

Rother, having been told the full plans are off the agenda for the time being, wants repairs and general appearance to be tackled immediately.

"It's not big stuff." said Cllr Gubby "We need windows replaced, rust treated and general work on the appearance of the building."

The three month compliance period is seen by Rother to be sufficient time for the company to do the work.

"I am a great believer in taking things a step at a time." said Cllr Gubby "Let's hope this will be successful.

"We will have to see whether or not they do carry out the work, what they do and to what standard. Further options include doing the work ourselves and charging them for it. Let's hope that won't be necessary.

"We will not let up. We will keep the pressure on."