Major project launched to imnprove Rye's shabby station area

Rye's Station Approach area has been slammed for its run-down appearance and tatty bus shelters.

Councillors say it gives a bad first impression to visitors arriving by train and that bus users and residents deserve better.

Now it looks as though thousands of pounds will be pumped into improving the area with Rye and Rother councils and Rye Rotary Club all playing a significant role.

Improvements will include landscaping and new flower beds as well as new bus shelters.

Councillors meeting this week were looking at designs for new bus shelters and were keen to see Rye getting something special and disntinctive rather than the standard bush shelters.

Rye Rotary is keen to help and said it is prepared to make a financial contribution while Rother has allocated 20,00 for landscaping and says it would be prepared to commit another 5 – 6,000 toward bus shelters.

Cllr David Wright said: " The current bus shelters are an absolute disgrace to the town."

Cllr David Russell said: "Gordon Brooke, from Rye Rotary, came to us with an idea after seeing the terrible state the bus shelters were in.

"New shelters would have to be vandal proof as the likelihood is they would take another hit before long.

"The Rotary are keen to get Rye College involved as they say it is a dreadful walk from Station Approach to the school."

Cllr Shaun Rogers said: "I don't see why we have to have bog standard bus shelters. We should have a more architecturally challenging design that will enhance the area."

Cllr Lorna Hall suggested that selling advertising space on smart new shelters could help off-set their cost.

Cllr John Breeds was keen to see proper seating provided rather than the "uncomfortable" perch seating which cheaper shelters have.

He said: "I don't see how elderly people can use those perch seats."

He added: "Lots of young people use that area without any problem at all. Vandals are in a minority but sadly still have to be taken into account."

A working part has now been set up to look at bus shelter designs and take the idea forward as a priority.

Rye Town Clerk Richard Farhall said: "We do not want to get to the autumn and find we have no bus shelters there."