Rail campaigners are fighting plans to push Lowestoft station out of the town centre.
The idea, supported by the local council, will mean people have to walk an extra quarter of a mile when they arrive by train.
The station’s close proximity to the beach and main shopping centre is currently a major asset, increasing the attractiveness of the town for the many people who arrive by train, particularly during the summer and for the annual air show. Relocation would eliminate this key advantage.
So the East Suffolk Travellers’ Association has launched a Save our Station campaign and has produced a leaflet setting out the facts.
Relocation would cause hardship to vulnerable members of the community, the elderly, and mothers with buggies and shopping as well as visitors to the town.
Both lines which serve Lowestoft are carrying increasing numbers of passengers and the railways make a significant contribution to easing road congestion locally.
Relocating would make it less attractive to existing and potential users, leading to an increase in road traffic.
Significant numbers of people are dependent on public transport and it should be made as attractive as possible for this important minority.
The campaigners say that at relatively modest cost, the station frontage could be considerably enhanced, to become a "building to be admired" and it is possible to develop the area around the station without moving the station.
Lowestoft is the busiest station in Suffolk after Ipswich. Much of the original historical structure remains but it has lost its overall roof.
Train operator ONE's local lines business manager Clive Morris said he wished he had more stations as well sited as Lowestoft.
The eviction plan has been drawn up by 1st East which is described as a "Government-sponsored regeneration company" but Waveney District council has issued consultation documents for the Lake Lothing area which affect the station.
One aim appears to be to build a new road together with a road bridge over the harbour.
ESTA is asking for support.
You can log on to their website and give your views on the Travel Talk forum.
Email your views to Waveney District Council at planningpolicy at waveney.gov.uk
View the 1st East website at www.lsteast.co.uk and complete the online questionnaire.
Write to the Planning Office, Waveney District Council, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HS.
Please make your views known before Monday l9 February 2007.
For more information: eastsuffolktravel.org.uk
ESTA Secretary, Rod Lock, at The Beehive, Hall Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 3AW. Tel: 01502 511715.