Rail company c2c has moved quickly to squash rumours that a vital village railway station is set to close.

According to Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles, fears had surfaced that c2c was planning to shut down West Horndon station.

Mr Pickles said: "I understand that a review of the stations along the line is being considered and some stations may be closed so that trains can move faster along the line as they have fewer places to stop."

A company spokesman said: "This is the first we have heard about any suggestion of a rumour that West Horndon station will be closing and there is no truth in it whatsoever.

"It has never crossed our minds to close any of the stations on the c2c line."

Published Thursday March 4, 2004

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