Homeowners in Beam Park, East London, are expressing frustration and disappointment after a promised train station never materialized. The residents, who paid up to £550,000 for their dream homes, now find themselves struggling to get to work and access important amenities. Many feel trapped and are calling on officials to deliver on the promised train station.
Lives on Hold
Residents in Beam Park were told that a train station of the same name would be built, providing easy access to the Thameside line and convenient transportation to work. However, more than 13 years later, the station remains non-existent. As a result, residents are forced to make major adjustments to their lives, including enduring long commutes and dealing with a lack of nearby bus stops.
Unmet Expectations
Homeowner Md Kavirul Islam, an IT consultant, expressed his disappointment, saying, "It's unimaginable here without a car. I have to go in for 9 am, I can't make it [for 8 am]. £550,000 is a big investment, and we expected amenities. This has not been done, it's really disappointing for us."
Trapped and Inconvenienced
Beam Park, which is set in over 71.7 acres, has planning for around 4,000 homes. The area was also supposed to have a new town centre. A train station connecting residents to Dagenham Dock and Rainham stations would significantly reduce journey times into Central London. However, the lack of a station has left residents relying on the congested A13 road, resulting in long rush hour commutes of up to an hour and a half. In addition, the absence of nearby bus stops makes it difficult for residents to access supermarkets, schools, and other essential services.
A Dashed Promise
Residents were promised that the train station would be within walking distance of their new homes. Ziaur Rahman, who spent £480,000 on a home in Beam Park, expressed frustration, saying, "People [selling] the properties said it will be there. They announced that it would be minutes walking distance."
Officials Respond
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, acknowledged the broken promise, stating, "There was a promise of building Beam Park station. That's not happened, and it's still a bit of a battle to see if we can get somebody to agree to build it." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Beam Park acknowledged residents' concerns and stated that they are working to address the issue. Government officials say that the business case for the station is ongoing and is the responsibility of the Greater London Authority.
