Wider platforms opened after campaign

Following calls from Davison and St Andrew’s schools, Network Rail agreed to widen platforms at the station by 1.5 metres on both sides.

The station is regularly used by students, with overcrowding commonplace during term time.

Their campaign was backed by East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, who said he was delighted to see swift action taken to improve the station’s safety.

He said: “This was a fantastic occasion and I am very grateful to Network Rail for taking concerns of local schools and councillors seriously and investing substantially in improving safety at their station.

“What was really encouraging was that students presented their case, that the station was a serious safety risk, and that Network Rail listened to them, carried out their own analysis and acted accordingly.”

He added: “This is not only a celebration of upgrading the platform, but of co-operation between local people, businesses and politicians.”

Before the work took place, which began in January, Network Rail had agreed to install CCTV cameras as a temporary measure.

Simon Chapman, Sussex route enhancement manager for Network Rail, said: “This is a great example of how Network Rail is investing to meet the needs of local communities.”