NEW cycle racks will be put in at a busy railway station.

Essex County Council contractors have started work to install a new bike compound at Benfleet train station, in Ferry Road, to encourage more commuters to get on their bikes.

The £19,500 facility will hold 40 bikes and has been installed to decrease congestion at the station as it is the busiest on the c2c line.

Canvey county councillor Ray Howard said: “I am very proud Canvey has so many cyclists and it’s definitely something we should be encouraging, for people to be fitter and healthier.

“It can’t be very nice to come all the way home from work to have your bike all wet from the rain. Here they will be dry and secure.”