COMMUTERS are set for a huge improvement to their journey as Stanford-le-Hope railway station gets a £1million investment.

DP World, which is behind the billion-pound London Gateway superport being constructed in the town, has pledged £500,000 for the refurbishment and Thurrock Council has now added more than £300,000 to that total.

The money will be used to build a dedicated bus-turning area, aimed at easing congestion problems around the troublesome level crossing at the station.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for East Thurrock, recently organised a meeting between local councillors, DP World and train company c2c where the idea was discussed.

He said: “This is fantastic news for people across Stanford-le-Hope and I am extremely glad the rail summit I organised last month has generated such a positive outcome so soon.

“The need for expansion at Stanford railway station formed a large part of our discussions and it seems to have provided the final push to get things moving.

“I hope stakeholders and interested parties can continue to work together to further improve rail facilities in the area and I very much look forward to building on this important start.”

Stanford-le-Hope councillor, Conservative Phil Anderson, added: “Traffic near the station is a real problem and these improvements can only help.

“As traffic has grown over the years, the road network has not been upgraded and many residents have suffered long queues in the area. “This welcome investment should help improve the situation for both drivers and public transport users.”

A spokesman for the superport added: “London Gateway is committed to making a contribution towards a bus turnaround scheme at Stanford-le-Hope station as part of the London Gateway Travel Plan.

“We look forward to seeing Thurrock Council’s proposals for the scheme in the near future.”