Uckfield rail station car park project takes step forward

Ideas on how to build a permanent railway station car park in Uckfield are being developed.

Land earmarked is on the opposite side of the road to the station, between the Cock and Bull pub and the river.

This was where Uckfield station was located until 1991.

The MP for Wealden, Charles Hendry, told UckfieldNews.com he had met with members of the British Rail Residual Board, Southern Rail, Network Rail, Robin James Ltd (developers) together with Rupert Clubb, Director of Transport, Environment and Economy at East Sussex County Council.

He said this group was “exploring the scope for a permanent car park”.

He added: “Once these ideas are more developed, it has been suggested that they discuss them with the town council, which will hopefully take place within the next two to three months.”

A long-running campaign to get the site opened up for car parking has involved councillors and the chamber of commerce.

At first it seemed as if potential access problems would scupper the plan on road safety grounds.

These objections have been overcome and the way cleared for a plan to be drawn up. In the last year the Chamber of Commerce has stepped up pressure and president, Peter Gale has previously said the situation regarding the land was “totally unacceptable” when there was parking congestion elsewhere in town because of the lack of any substantial parking provision to support the increasingly popular rail service. Story here

Now read the results of an Uckfield News invesitgation into the town's parking here.

The photograph below shows the current state of the old station site.

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