Already derelict buildings by the station have been demolished and further improvements are on the way.

Bill Raspin of Raspin Properties said, “From our point of view the demolition of the buildings is a great indicator that the stakeholders in the area see the station as the gateway to the town and needs to be taken seriously as a regeneration project. This is a great opportunity to regenerate the area for the benefit of the residents and businesses.”

“We have met with the Council, Network Rail and South West Trains to discuss further improvements that can be made to the route to the station and its entrance”

The works will be funded from the developer contribution made to the council on the grant of planning consent.