Leading councillor makes personal apology to residents, acknowledging she was one of those who voted for botched rail station project
A LEADING Thurrock councillor has apologised for the 'shambolic' stalled redevelopment of Stanford-le-Hope Station.
The apology came as Cllr Lee Watson, the cabinet portfolio holder for 'Good Growth', responded to a question from Stanford Homesteads ward Independent councillor Gary Byrne who spoke at last week's full council meeting and asked what "the current state of play with Stanford station" was.
In reply, Cllr Watson said "First of all I would like to apologise to the residents of Stanford-le-Hope for the shambolic way this project has been undertaken and carried out. I'm sorry to say that I was on the planning committee in 2022 when this was put forward and I was one of those that agreed, thinking it would enhance the area, so apologies.
"The council is currently conducting a gateway review of the Stanford-le-Hope Station redevelopment. This assessment is designed to review the current plans for the station and the land opposite to identify the best scheme for the area. The scheme will be delivered both operational and fully meeting the requirements, while offering best value for the council."
Cllr Watson said she expected the result of the assessment go to cabinet in October.
The buildings that made up much of the former station were demolished in 2020 and long-suffering passengers have endured a temporary station since.
The council, rail companies and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) have been working on the project for a new station and transport interchange to connect bus, rail, cycle, taxi, and pedestrian movement in Stanford-le-Hope.
The scheme has been dogged by delays, rising costs and mismanagement.
The project's main aims are said to include expanding the capacity of the station to serve new housing and major employment growth sites, curb traffic growth in the area and help unlock the next phase of development at London Gateway and development at Thames Enterprise Park and Thames Oil Port. The Council is working in partnership with Network Rail and C2C to design the scheme.
Cllr Watson confirmed £7.5million of SELEP funding had been put aside for demolition and professional fees.
In February Thurrock Nub News reported on the latest details given by the council on the station - when it was projected the authority would probably need to spend millions more on the project.
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