RAIL passengers across north Kent have been giving their views on the announcement that Gravesend station is to shut for 15 days.

Network Rail say the move is to allow a £19m upgrade of the station’s facilities to be carried out.

The year-long project will allow for longer 12-car trains to pass through and a new platform and footbridge with lifts is to be built. Work it due to begin next month with the station set to close between December 22 and January 6 and improvements finished in May, next year.

Network Rail says it is working with train operator Southeastern to minimise the impact the improvement work will have on passengers’ journeys, and information about alternative travel arrangements as soon as possible.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, said: "Gravesend station will be vastly improved and the reconstructed platforms will mean longer trains can be accommodated, providing more seats for passengers.

"It is a complicated project which requires the station to be closed for 15 days to carry out the work to the track and station. "We recognise this will cause some disruption to passengers’ and we have timed the work to take place over what is traditionally a less busy time on the railway."

News Shopper reporter Adam Venner went to Gravesend rail station to find out what commuters think about the planned closure.

Brian Goodwin, 53, from Northfleet, said: “I wouldn’t think it would be that disruptive since the bus services are quite good and you could always get a train from somewhere else and then a fast train.

“It’s probably not a good idea closing the station during that period though considering people do travel to see relatives. Saying that, people do normally take time off work during that time of year so it makes sense not having it now or when people are working.

“Obviously the need to do it if they’re putting in a new platform.”

Gavin Ashworth, 60, from Windmill Hill, Gravesend said: “It will disrupt people quite a lot I should think because of Christmas.

"Thinking about it though, having it over Christmas is a good idea actually – people aren’t working around that time of year.

“It might have an effect on the parking though, what with more people coming through here, and the parking isn’t brilliant at the moment anyway. I think the closure would be worth it in the long run though.”