THE campaign to renamed a train station is gathering pace.

Business group, the Hythe Business Network, is spearheading the calls to change the name of the Hythe station.

At the moment, it is called Hythe (Essex) - showing no connection to Colchester - but the group wants it re-named Colchester Hythe.

Now the campaign has been backed by senior Colchester Labour members as well as Colchester MP, Sir Bob Russell.

Cyril Thomas, chair of the business network, said: “Sir Bob has written to Network Rail in support of the campaign, which is exciting.

“We’ve been told to expect a response inside 21 days, so we’re looking forward to that.”

He added: “I think people have seen the argument we are making and agreeing with us.”

Tim Young, leader of the Colchester Labour group, said: “I remember querying this once at Colchester North Station only to be told that Hythe doesn't count as a Colchester station.

“’But it's in Colchester’, I replied, only to be greeted with a knowing smile and a shrug of the shoulders."

Jordan Newell, Colchester’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate added he would raise the issue with Network Rail, which would ultimately make any final decision.

He said: “We need a railway fit for the 21st century with an efficient service and affordable fares together with railway stations that belong to the town that they are situated in.”