Generator causing chaos at Billericay station (From Basildon Recorder)

Generator causing chaos at Billericay station

4:00pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Chloe Chapman

Generator causing chaos at Billericay station

A TEMPORARY generator at Billericay station is causing chaos for passengers.

The equipment, which has been brought in whilst new electricity supply cables are installed, is blocking access to the drop off point meaning vehicles are unable to get close to the station.

The latest work comes just seven months after a £1.4million revamp was unveiled.

Greater Anglia ploughed the money into enlarging the ticket hall, installing more ticket machines, refurbishing the staircase and adding new information screens.

New waiting shelters were also installed creating a five minute drop off and pick up area.

However, despite only opening in March customers are now unable to use this due to the huge generator being placed there.

Richard Townley, 53, of Hillhouse Drive, Billericay, arrived at the station at 9pm on Saturday after a day out in London to find there was nowhere for his lift to pick him up.

He said: “Members of my family were forced to walk through the pouring rain, rather than use the new drop off point and stay dry. It was absolute chaos there as well as usual hostile approach to customers from railway staff. When they want to do something they just ignore customers."

In May the Echo told how Greater Anglia, who manage the station, were forced to apologise to customers following complaints of rude staff members and long queues for tickets.

One customer, who does not want to be named, said: “You could not make it up. Despite the station refurbishment only finishing recently, work is about to start yet again.

“I reckon we can expect disruption in Radford Way and Station Approach for the next four weeks.”

Greater Anglia were unable to give an expected date for the completion of the work, but claim they are now planning on relocating the generator to free up more space in the drop off area.

A spokesperson said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience whilst work is carried out to upgrade the electricity supply system at Billericay station, contractors are taking steps to complete the work as quickly as possible."