RAIL commuters using Chafford Hundred's busy station car park have been boosted by news that they can save money by parking at nearby Lakeside.

With commuters facing increasing rail fares and increased station parking charges, Chafford Hundred's councillors Garry Hague, Neil Rockliffe, Steve Veryard and Tunde Ojetola have negotiated new parking arrangements with Lakeside that will give rail commuters much needed respite.

To better suit the travelling times of rail commuters, Lakeside has agreed to increase the duration when its car parks will be lit and to extend the opening times of the security doors which provide access from Lakeside's car parks to the bridge leading into Chafford Hundred station.

From Monday, January 10, Lakeside car park lighting will be switched on and security doors opened from 6am, Mondays to Fridays, until the last train back to Chafford Hundred station.

Coun Hague said: "We know that local rail commuters are facing real hardship in terms of increased rail fares and station parking charges.

"We are addressing the rail fare increases with C2C, but in the meantime we wanted to investigate what other relief could be offered to local commuters. We are delighted that Lakeside has kindly agreed to switch on its lights and to open its security doors accessing the Chafford Hundred station for a longer duration each day of the working week.

"This will allow rail commuters; even those travelling on very early trains and the last train back, to park safely and free of charge in Lakeside's car parks.

"We would like to thank Lakeside for agreeing to these new parking arrangements that will bring much needed relief to Thurrock's beleaguered rail commuters."

Mike Pearse, General Manager at Lakeside, said: "It is important to us to support the community that surrounds Lakeside, and we are delighted to be able to provide this service to commuters.

"We'll also be working with C2C during 2005 to provide added benefits to commuters who take advantage of our 10pm weekday closing to shop after work. "We'll be releasing details of special offers, discounts and exclusive competitions shortly."