Resident group launches Crowdfunder to save Bishopstone Station in Seaford

The Bishopstone Station at Bishopstone near Seaford has fallen into disrepair in recent years and although trains still stop there, the buildings have been empty since 2015.

A group called Friends of Bishopstone Station was formed in 2017 and aims to restore the Grade II listed building back to its "Art Deco glory" and has now received planning approval.

It has now created a Crowdfunder in order to raise the funds to do this.

Chairwoman, Barbara Mine said: "Phase one is to raise funds to renovate the rundown former general store which was once the old parcels office, to create a community hub for local people to use.

Old British Rail posters were found inside Bishopstone Station

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"We want to turn this area into a much-needed space to be used by various community groups who are desperate for a venue.

"This will also include a drop in centre for a variety of needs .

"The money raised will pay for a new kitchen area, plumbing, electrics and appliances, hot water facility, broadband and USB ports, new foyer doorway and access for disabled people and those with mobility issues plus a new multi purpose unisex toilet."

Bishopstone Station is on the Seaford to Brighton line and was built in 1938. When the Second World War started the unique Art Deco station was used for military purposes, with brick gun emplacements added.

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Later in the 1970s the parcel office was used as a general store and newsagents which closed in 2015.

Barbara in Bishopstone Station

In later years the building has deteriorated and a group of residents formed Friends of Bishopstone Station and adopted the station through the Sussex Community Rail partnership scheme.

Barbara said: "The work is costly and our fundraising events from quizzes, book sales and auctions have brought in some money - but not enough to pay for all the work needed to make the space fit for community use.

"That's why we have created this Crowdfunder to appeal to the wider world to help us."

To donate to the Crowdfunder visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/friends-of-bishopstone-station-community-hub