By Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

Smitham train station is to be given a major overhaul which will include a brand new ticket office.

The station, in Coulsdon, will have its 100-year-old brick building knocked down and replaced with a new one, to house office space, a ticket office and passenger waiting area.

An external area for storing bicycles will also be installed.

Work will be carried out by station owner Network Rail and train operator Southern Rail and will begin in May, according to Coulsdon East councillor Chris Wright.

Cllr Wright, who is also head of Croydon Council's planning committee, revealed: "They are knocking down the buildings that are there and replacing them with modular [prefab] structures.

"It's something that is not before time.

"It has had a very tired look for a long time and it will be very good for the area."

The work is being carried out as part of the Department of Transport's National Stations Improvement Programme.

Cllr Wright added: "It's a station that is not heard about a great deal, but is used a lot by residents and people in my ward.

"It will make it a better area to wait for trains and buy tickets and just really enhance it."

However, passenger Adrian Wright, 70, of Station Approach Road, Coulsdon, is among those questioning whether the improvements will be money well spent.

He said: "It does need brightening up.

"I don't think it would get much use, though. It's not that busy a station.

"I think they should spend the money on more trains."

Southern and Network Rail refused to give any details about the revamp.