Railway station celebrates 50th birthday

A railway station that connects the Essex estuary with the capital has celebrated its 50th birthday.

Basildon station, which is on the c2c line connecting London Fenchurch Street and Southend-on-Sea, welcomed its first passengers on 25 November 1974.

It commemorated its 50th birthday with a party attended by council dignitaries, charities and businesses.

Abu Siddeeq, c2c's customer experience director, said the station helped bring together "diverse and rich communities".

“Basildon is iconic and known all over the country for its personality, importance to our wider economy and wonderful people,” added Mr Siddeeq.

During the half-century bash, guests enjoyed a pie and mash lunch and cupcakes from local suppliers, and sang a rendition of happy birthday for commuters.

The station facilitates more than 1,000 c2c departures every week and in the year to March, just under 2.5 million passengers passed through its turnstiles.

Victoria Joseph, the deputy mayor of Basildon, said: "The station is far more than just a transport hub, it is also a symbol of connection, growth and opportunity."

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