Bus replacement services can be a frequent sight at Rye’s railway station, but the latest twist in the tale is a road replacement service – which may cause problems for buses, taxis, cars and coaches, as well as passengers.
The station’s management said earlier this week that workmen would be doing some resurfacing works outside the station in the next couple of weeks but the start date was not yet confirmed.
However workmen were busy repairing the footpath on Tuesday close by the ticket machine and side entrance to the railway station and pedestrian bridge, so work appeared to have started.
These works involve resurfacing the car park and some of the pavement area. The car park will remain open but there will be some plant machinery in place – and there will be a degree of works happening overnight.
“This should not cause a disturbance,” says Kate Richards, the Southern station manager for Rye based in Eastbourne. But Network Rail would do a leaflet drop ahead of the works to ensure people are forewarned, she added.
However no leaflet had appeared Tuesday morning, though the workmen had. Local homes within earshot however had received a Network Rail letter pushed through the door saying work will take place on the car park overnight between 6pm and 6am on the nights of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday March 18-20.
There will be an element of noise, but Network Rail will try to keep that to a minimum. It remains unclear how people who use the car park regularly, or every now and again, will be informed.
However the timing does avoid the market on Thursday which is often the busiest day, particularly for coaches (as pictured above).
Rye’s station manager anticipates the impact will be minimal and will provide a good improvement to the station – and asked Rye’s town clerk how to contact the taxi drivers..
For further information can be obtained from the Network Rail website or telephone the 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 114141.
Rye News Library
Image Credits: John Minter .