RESIDENTS with properties backing onto Lake Train Station are concerned their privacy has been compromised — after a new higher platform was installed.
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One is concered the eye-level platform means she will be able to see passengers using the shelter as a toilet.
South Western Railway (SWR) is in the process of carrying out a £26 million upgrade to the Island Line network, between Shanklin and Ryde Pier Head.
The operator told the County Press it is working with residents and looking at options (scroll down to read its statement in full).
Part of the work has seen the platform in Lake raised by approximately two feet.
"We are totally overlooked"
"My bungalow backs onto Lake station and now we are totally overlooked," said one Heath Gardens resident, who wishes to remain anonymous.
"My lounge and kitchen are now clearly visible from the platform. It will be even worse when the trains start operating."
The view from a Lake resident's garden. The fence was taken down by the wind, exposing the garden to onlookers.
The resident told the County Press: "This is totally unacceptable. My neighbours are all in the same position.
"We received notification by SWR that engineering work would be carried out, but they did not tell us the extent of the work, and the impact it would have on us.
"Shanklin and Brading stations had their platforms lowered, but Lake was raised significantly.
"There was no suggestion of planting trees or providing higher fencing for us. This action would have gone some way to rectifying the problem.
The view of properties on Heath Gardens from the new, raised platform. Picture by Ben Holbrook.
"When the station was built on May 11, 1987, it was agreed that the SWR would plant trees and have hanging baskets to ensure privacy for the people affected by the new station.
"This work was not carried out."
What has SWR said about the issue?
On Friday, a SWR representative met with residents to discuss the issue.
“We have been in direct contact with those residents affected by the platform height at Lake station being increased," said a spokesperson for SWR.
“While this work is vital to improving accessibility as part of our £26 million upgrade of Island Line, we remain committed to delivering this project in a way which minimises the disruption to people living near the railway.
“We are looking into the feasibility of a number of options which could mitigate the impact of this upgrade on Lake residents. We will continue to work closely with these residents as we do so.”
Lake Train Station platform after it has been raised.
"My biggest concerns are litter, the shelter being used as a toilet, and being overlooked when people are on the platform," said resident, Joan Blakley.
"They can see right into my dining room, and into the garden. I planted trees but now they've raised the halt.
"I have grandchildren playing in the garden and I don't want random people watching them.
"I think, if they put some trellis along the top of the fence, and blank out the windows in the shelter, that will be enough."
Resident, Michelle Abbott said: "We like a certain degree of privacy, to do our washing up and stand in our kitchen without witnessing whatever.
"Everybody likes to be nosy, but it's made even worse now.
"We built our own fence to give us a little bit of privacy, but now that's irrelevant.
"I would like to see trees planted and the fence raised.
"It's been a problem before, but it's much worse now.
Diane Holbrook in her garden. People standing on the platform can see right into her garden and home.
"Where the platform is now at eye level, you see people using it as a toilet. It's awful.
"I love living here, but I would never let my children near that shelter."
Following a six-week delay due to Covid-19, a return to service, with new trains, is scheduled for mid-May.
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