SECURITY has been beefed up to stop faredodgers climbing through holes under platforms as part of a £450,000 upgrade to Basildon railway station.

Train company c2c revealed the new look station yesterday during a special unveiling with Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron.

Work included a brighter booking hall with better lighting, new flooring to stop passengers slipping and improved bicycle storage racks.

A new information board has also been installed with London Underground service details, one of only three in the country.

The investment was made because c2c sees Basildon as one of its priority stations.

Julian Drury, managing director, said: “I am absolutely delighted we have completed this £450,000 project as Basildon is one of our most important stations and the work makes it a proper gateway to the town.”

Tall fencing now surrounds the station and mesh has been installed under the platforms to stop faredodgers risking their lives by climbing through gaps into the station. It is checked every two weeks to make sure it is still in place.

Mr Drury added: “We are determined to come down on faredodgers because the customers who do pay expect everyone to buyaticket.”

John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, was impressed with the changes.

He said: “I am a great fan of c2c. It does an excellent job.

“This is all about making the journey more pleasurable. If it encourages business and families to look at Basildon, that is good news.”

A new cafe, Coffee Link, has also opened on one of the platforms this week.