Residents concerned over future of new drop off zone (From Your Local Guardian)

Residents concerned over future of new drop off zone

8:00am Friday 17th August 2012 in Wimbledon By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

A new drop off zone at Raynes Park station could be scrapped if plans to sell off a nearby property go ahead, it has been claimed.

A new Kiss and Ride service has been agreed upon in principal by Merton Council, South West Trains and Network Rail, funded by section 106 money provided by Workspace - owners of the nearby Rainbow Estate which is currently being developed.

But residents believe a plan to sell off Station House, owned by Network Rail, along with parking spaces both in front of station house and the road opposite could jeopardise the plans.

Chris Larkman, chairman of the Raynes Park Association, said: "On the one hand [Network Rail] is committed to the Kiss & Ride facility, as it will help their customers. 
"On the other hand, they wish to maximise their profit from selling one of its properties.
"The Kiss and Ride facility would be seriously compromised if these parking spaces were sold as part of the deal."

Residents have also raised concerns about the poor state of the external station which is due to have its platform extended later this year to accommodate 10 carriages.

Mr Larkman said: "We have done an awful lot of work with the council to improve Raynes Park and huge things have been achieved, but the railway stays put.
"What we are saying is when you extend the platform can you get someone up there with a paint brush and do some basic decoration."

A Network Rail and South West Trains alliance spokesman said: "There are ongoing discussions about Raynes Park which include the issues raised by local residents such as improving the station and the provision of park and ride and pick up and drop off facilities.
"We have been in contact with the local authority and Workspace and are confident that acceptable outcomes can be reached."