Give us a sign, please!

AUDLEY End station has long been the hub for rail passengers travelling into Saffron Walden - but why is there no mention of the town's name on the station signs?

Saffron Walden Business Forum (SWBF) believe this is an anomaly that needs to be addressed and has called for rail operator National Express to better promote the town at the station.

At the moment passengers are welcomed to Audley End station with the words "Alight here for Audley End House and Gardens".

Chairman of SWBF Richard Swain said: "Audley End House is a very big draw for the area, but we would like to see Saffron Walden mentioned as well.

"We have written to National Express to see if changing the signs will be possible and we will be organising a petition."

Audley End station has acted as Saffron Walden's railway link since the town's own station was closed in 1964 as part of Richard Beeching's reshaping of British railways report.

The Saffron Walden branch line operated between Saffron Walden and Audley End from 1865 and was established with funds provided by local business man George Stacey Gibson.

The SWBF hope that promoting Saffron Walden more prominently at Audley End station will give the town a tourism boost.

"The feedback we have had from the station manager at Audley End has so far been very positive," said Mr Swain. "He has already indicated that space will be found for a display with illustrated maps which promote Saffron Walden to tourists."

Changing the welcome signs at the station could be met with objections from English Heritage who already pay National Express to display their logo alongside the promotion for Audley End House.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "This additional information promotes the property and brings visitors to the site and the wider area."

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