Archived Topic
Topic ID 126
26/01/2003 by cfjwallis
Train Station or Prison?
Yesterday (Saturday) was the first time I've used the train station this year, as I've been working outside London and not had to use the station.
I was somewhat disappointed to see that a rather mennacing spiked fence had been erected down the entire length of the brick wall between the ticket office and the level crossing.
Apart from looking totally out of place, making the area look as if we have vandalism problem, sub-prime installation standards (not all the bolts are fully screwed in) and being an eyesore for the residents opposite, it's wonderful!
Did they get / need planning permission? Seems odd that the cafe has been ordered to take its banners down, but a hideous fence like this can be erected!
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 558
27/01/2003 by nelly the elly
I agree the fence does look a little OTT but I can understand why they have put it up. The are lots of people who jump over the wall to avoid going past the ticket inspector on the station door and thus avoid paying for their travel. As someone who has commuted in to London for many years fare evasion is one of my big pet hats so anything that makes people pay for the privilege of sitting on a cold, miserable late train is OK with me!
Reply ID 559
27/01/2003 by tonyappleton
Yes the fence does look awful and should never have been erected without consultation. It will also do nothing to stop all the schoolkids bunking the fares as they just go through the cafe anyway!
It's quite funny sometimes seeing the army of 'revenue inspectors' posted at the door from the ticket office to the platform who seem totally oblivious to the hordes of kids that enter and leave the station via the cafe (generally without buying anything either)! Kids eh!
Reply ID 561
27/01/2003 by cfjwallis
Just to be clear - I have no problem with the enforcement of revenue collection. Indeed, I believe there should be more of it.
I was just very disappointed that the eyesore errected at the station has been errected with no apparent consultation or thought for the local area.
3 replies