MAJOR plans to totally overhaul Stanford-le-Hope train station have taken a big step forward after council bosses purchases land opposite the site.

Work to demolish the 1960s ticket office and booking hall started this time last year, with the purchase of land allowing the project to continue.

The redevelopment project will create a modern transport hub with space for buses, cyclists and vehicle drop-offs. Works will help ease congestion within the local area and improved parking will support the local high street.

Thurrock Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Mark Coxshall, said: “This land provides an exciting opportunity to further improve the quality of the scheme and provide even more community benefits.

“Plans will increase accessibility to the station, provide higher quality public space than initially thought possible and deliver station facilities to enable our communities to be better connected.

“Our ambitious regeneration proposals will set the tone for future high quality development across the borough, invigorate Stanford’s town centre and encourage more people to use local businesses.”