Thorrington
The Colchester to Clacton and Walton line has “lost” only two stations during its history, but oddly both closures have been to the detriment of the largest community en route. Thorrington (sited between Alresford and Great Bentley and the nearest of the three stations to the port of Brightlingsea) was the first closure in November 1957. Remnants of the platforms and a waiting room were still present in 1976 as recorded here. The second station closure was Brightlingsea (served by a branch from Wivenhoe) in 1964. It had been temporarily closed in 1953 when floods washed away sections of the track. A local campaign to reopen Thorrington was rejected in 2002. Quite why the inhabitants of Brightlingsea and its vicinity have deserved such bad luck with their rail services remains a mystery! With thanks to the crossing keeper for allowing me to get a photo between trains.
Location: Thorrington (former)
Original line: Tendring Hundred Railway
Photographer: Mark Dufton
Contact photographer: Mark Dufton
Date: 30/08/1976
Image number: 26584
