by Thom Morris
tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

A cyclist has criticised developers of the £7 million Dartford railway station for not improving parking for bikes.

The upgrade by Network Rail started in September and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The changes will see the old station demolished and the construction of a three-storey building.

But mother-of-two Natalie Melluso, 33, believes more thought should have been given to cyclists.

Natalie lives in Darenth Road, Dartford, and bikes to the station to catch a train to London where she works as a telecom sales manager.

She said: “There are no plans to improve cycle storage.

“I cycle there every day and people are already using railings to park their bikes. That’s how over-subscribed it is and I really think they should be looking to offer more spaces.

“I’ve sent emails to people including the managing director of Southeastern and Dartford MP Gareth Johnson and [Dartford council leader] Jeremy Kite to see what their thoughts were.

“You hear politicians talking about how we need to be more environmentally friendly so I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t offer more spaces.”

When the plans were approved by Dartford council, the redevelopment documents before them stated there would be cycle storage for just 20 bikes.

There will, however, be a new concourse and ticket office, better facilities including new toilets and shops, more parking bays and waiting facilities.

The station first opened in 1849 and had two platforms. The third and fourth were added in 1897 and 1973.

Platform three is famous for being where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met for the first time since leaving Wentworth Primary School, realised they shared a love of music and launched the Rolling Stones.

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said: “I’m telling Network Rail they need to put it right and the design they’ve got at the moment is a problem.

“All we can offer people at the moment is the use of the railings.

“The design hasn’t been finalised yet and I think they’ve underestimated the number of people who do cycle there and want to store their bike and I’m hopeful they will see that. After all, it’s in their interest to satisfy demand.”

Network Rail was unavailable for comment.

What do you think? Email dartfordmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or leave a comment below.