Hedge End railway station: Eastleigh MP demands action

Speaking in the House of Commons, Eastleigh member Paul Holmes said the lack of facilities meant many Hedge End residents were having to use alternative stations.

He called for the transport hub to be upgraded following the huge increase in housebuilding in the Eastleigh area.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes called for facilities at Hedge End station to be approved (Image: PA)

Mr Holmes told fellow MPs: "The population in my patch has grown by 15 per cent in the last 20 years, a clear sign that Eastleigh acts as a magnet for families and individuals seeking a great place to live.

"This has led to a corresponding but in my view reckless increase in housebuilding, particularly in Hedge End.

"Eastleigh Borough Council has either granted permission, or allocated space, for a further 738 new homes in Hedge End in the next ten years.

"Towns and villages such as Hedge End, Botley, Bursledon and Hamble are served by small stations that lack the facilities required to serve growing settlements.

"Many of my constituents choose to live in Hedge End because of the railway connections to London, the great sense of community and the excellent local schools."

READ MORE: Developer submits plan to build more than 100 homes at Toynbee Road, Eastleigh

A large number of new homes have been built in the Eastleigh area and more are planned (Image: PA)

But Mr Holmes said disabled adults, parents with disabled children and families pushing prams or pushchairs were having to travel to other stations by car or taxi, adding to congestion.

"The government argues that we need greener and more sustainable forms of travel.

"I agree, but the current facilities at Hedge End station do not facilitate that and in many respects actively discourage it. That is bad for passengers, bad for the environment, and bad for our local transport networks."

Mr Holmes called for the station to be equipped with either a lift or wheelchair-accessible facilities.

"Now is the time for the government to put its money where its mouth is and finally deliver some infrastructure improvements that my constituents are desperately seeking," he said.

READ MORE: Plan to build 200 homes on Eastleigh farmland thrown out

A Network Rail spokesman said the government had been asked to consider making improvements to several stations, including Hedge End.

He added: "Once a station is chosen, Network Rail will work to provide an accurate costing and work programme to build whatever is needed."

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