The public has given its support for plans to spruce up the area in front of Barking Railway Station which will ease overcrowding and improve security.

A consultation on the proposals, which would see more pedestrian space created in front of the station, has found that 85 per cent of the public like the proposed scheme - and of 321 people who took part, only seven per cent disapproved.

The improvements, designed by civil engineers, Atkins, will cost around £500,000 and will nearly double the amount of public space in front of the building in Station Parade.

To increase space, the bus lay-by outside the station will be moved and the bulk of the taxi rank re-located around the corner to Wakering Road. The forecourt area will be de-cluttered by removing unnecessary signage, lighting and bus shelters. A new high-quality pavement will also be laid with new street furniture, lighting and bike parking.

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Funding to complete the project will be sought from the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Transport for London and if funding is secured - work could start as early as this autumn and be finished by the end of this year.

The proposals follow an announcement last November that Barking Station will benefit from a share of a £50 million government fund to improve railway stations around the country. Barking was named as one of ten rail stations in the country that most need a face-lift.

Jeremy Grint, Barking and Dagenham Council's Divisional Director for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "I'd like to thank all the people who took the time to take part in this consultation.

"What has really come through is the concern about how close the current bus stop is to the station exit. There is not enough space for the bus queue and this causes congestion, especially during rush hour.

"By increasing the paved area of the forecourt and moving the bus stop further away from the building this should help to solve this problem and make the front of the station a much more pleasant and hassle-free place to be."

(CD)