Croydon commuters have reacted with fury after Southern Rail announced the planned closure of a key cycle rack at East Croydon Station.
Critics argue the rail firm gave minimal notice and only “vague” plans for a replacement.
“It does feel like they have it in for the residents of Addiscombe,” said Sean Fitzsimons, Croydon councillor for Addiscombe West, as the removal cuts off the most convenient and secure bike parking for thousands of east-side commuters.
The Billington Hill shelter, on the Addiscombe side of the station, is one of only three bike racks at East Croydon and is widely regarded as the safest, thanks to its location behind a fence and away from the main thoroughfare.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Fitzsimons said: “When I cycle to the station for work, I always leave my bike at the Billington Hill cycle shelter. I have never had any problems there or any vandalism.”
Commuters were shocked to find a sign erected last week by station operator Southern Rail, announcing that the bike parking would close on July 1. When questioned by the LDRS, Southern said the closure was necessary due to security concerns caused by unauthorised vehicles entering the adjacent staff car park.
They explained that access to the cycle racks must be removed in order to secure the car park, which sits close to the mainline tracks. However, residents are questioning why this requires the complete closure of a well-used facility, with no clear replacement being offered.
Southern insists there is alternative cycle parking nearby and has promised to “create more space for bikes” in future, but locals say the current provision is already insufficient.
“They are reducing capacity without any concrete plans for its replacement. I struggle to see how they can justify it,” said Cllr Fitzsimons.
The rack is a vital facility for commuters from Addiscombe, Norwood and Shirley, areas with some of Croydon’s lowest car ownership rates. For those arriving on foot or by bike from the east, it’s the most accessible option.
The planned removal adds to existing frustration in Addiscombe, following confirmation that a ticket gate will not be included on the soon-to-open East Croydon bridge, extending journey times to platforms by several minutes.
Southern has encouraged commuters to use racks on George Street or near Costa Coffee, but many say these lack both space and security.
Croydon Council has previously acknowledged the station’s shortage of cycle parking and pledged improvements as part of long-term redevelopment plans.
“When I visit other stations of this size elsewhere, they seem to have much more secure parking than we do,” said Cllr Fitzsimons.
Chris Galpin, a cyclist from Addiscombe, has since created a petition calling for greater public engagement around the planned closure. He told the LDRS: “It just came as a complete shock, really; especially how little notice there was, and the fact that there was no consultation of any kind.”
He added that when he tried to contact Southern for more information, they replied, saying they would get back to him within 10 to 20 working days. “They only gave 10 days’ notice…the parking could be gone by then,” he said.
Mr Galpin believes most commuters aren’t opposed to change, but want to be consulted.
“If they had said ‘We’re having some issues with security—what do you think we can do?’ I think people would come forward with suggestions,” he told the LDRS. “People would be fine if it were being replaced nearby, but vague plans aren’t good enough.”
The campaign has been bolstered by letters to MPs and strong reactions on social media. Dr Paul Harper, posting on Nextdoor, said the Billington Hill rack is one of the few places near the station where he feels confident leaving his bike all day.
His petition, calling for the removal to be paused and a proper consultation to take place, has already attracted nearly 400 signatures. “Our key ask is to pause the removal and talk to us,” Mr Galpin said.
“We’re open to discussing alternative provision, but it’s very difficult to have a reasonable discussion at the speed they are trying to push this through.”
A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway, Southern’s parent company, said: “The bike rack is located within a staff car park which, at the moment, remains open to allow access to the cycle rack.
“We have found a challenge with unauthorised vehicles parking there, posing a security issue given its proximity to the mainline platforms. It’s important for everyone’s safety to make this car park more secure.
“While there is alternative cycle parking available closer to the station, near Costa, which is covered by a shelter, better CCTV and is in sight of our ticket gate staff, we appreciate the concerns raised and will look again at the issue.”
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