A NEW bus shelter has been provided at the station, thanks to Haslemere Community Rail Partnership.

South West Trains agreed to match fund the contributions made by each of the partners in the group, which comprise South Downs National Park Authority, Haslemere Town Council, National Trust, Haslemere Society, Haslemere Vision, Haslemere Fringe and the town’s Tourist Information Centre.

The new shelter has been installed to help relieve peak time congestion in the cramped station forecourt area. Providing an alternative covered pick-up and drop-off zone for rail users was identified as a priority in the 2016 Haslemere Station travel survey.

It also provides seating, not only for the benefit of those using the shelter for pick-up or drop-off, but also for pedestrians walking between the High Street and Wey Hill.

The Haslemere Information Hub, also set up by the rail partnership, at the station is going from strength to strength now that the forecourt works have been completed.

A team of volunteers, based in the station shop, provide information for visitors about local events, shops and businesses, as well as South Downs National Park and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Town councillor and partnership chairman Nikki Barton said: “The Information Hub is open a couple of hours a day throughout the week, and is always keen to welcome new volunteers. Local knowledge is a bonus, but is not essential, just a cheerful outlook and an enthusiasm for Haslemere and its community.

“The hub’s aim is to help strengthen the link between the community and those visiting by rail.”

Committee member and Haslemere Fringe chairman Ken Griffith added: “The Information Hub at the station helped us promote our recent successful comedy festival as well as many other local events. Any event organisers should feel free to get in touch to use this local facility as part of their marketing.”

• For more information, to promote local events or to volunteer email Antoinette Francis at [email protected], or call 01428 645425.