Restoration of old station gates is completed

The work was carried out by Marc Knights and Gary Herring

Plans to breathe new life into an old railway station by creating a heritage quarter within the complex have taken a step forward.

Engineers have restored and repainted a pair of gates at Lowestoft station.

Positioned on a section of rails which once led to the harbour and the fish market, they have become a familiar sight to visitors in recent years.

The striking red and white gates now form a 60ft-wide backdrop to the site and are in what is now the station's short stay car park.

The gates are now in the short stay car park at the station

The work was carried out by carpenters Marc Knights and Gary Herring.

"From day one, Marc and Gary embraced the challenge with energy and dedication, and the results speak volumes," said Darren Stannard, manager at Bell, who the pair work for.

"This project isn't just about restoring station gates, it's about enhancing a space that's central to our community, [and it] has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

"As someone who lives locally, seeing the transformation of the station on a daily basis brings a real sense of pride."

Lowestoft station had an important link to the harbour, with millions of tonnes of fish and aggregates transported from the town

The overall heritage project is being undertaken by Lowestoft Central Project and Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership.

It is hoped it will transform the area and help to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Martin Halliday, development officer at Community Rail Norfolk, which is the parent organisation of Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership said: "Marc and Gary have done an absolutely fantastic job on the gates, enabling a great step forward for the heritage quarter scheme."