A CAMPAIGN has been launched to try to get Colchester Town Station’s name changed.

The station, at St Botolph’s Circus was called St Botolph’s Station until 1992 when it was renamed.

William Jolliffe, who is behind the campaign, said: “This historic little station was opened in 1866 as St Botolph’s.

“It remained so until 1992 when with no consultation John Major’s Government called it Colchester Town.

“During the First World War thousands of young men used this station for going to fight for God, king and country.

“Sadly many returned to the station injured. I am going to try my hardest to get the station renamed Colchester Town St Botolph’s in glorious memory of those true brave souls hoping it will be back for the centenary of Armistice Day, November 11 2018.”

Mr Jolliffe, of Mersea Road, Colchester, said he tried to get the station renamed two years ago with the help of former MP Sir Bob Russell but they had no response.

But he’s been spurred to try again after reading a recent article by Colchester historian Andrew Phillips about the Battle of the Somme in the First World War.

Mr Russell, now Colchester High Steward, said he supported Mr Jolliffe but felt the station should be renamed to Colchester St Botolph’s as he said it was the word ‘town’ which confused visitors.

He said: “The reason they changed it was because St Botolph’s is meaningless to anyone but Colchester people.

“But I can cite numerous occasions where people see Colchester Town and Colchester Station and assume the former is the town for Colchester centre.”

Mr Jolliffe said he also has the support of Mr Phillips, Colchester MP Will Quince and borough councillors.

A spokesman for rail operator Abellio Greater Anglia said: “Any decision to rename a station would need to be taken in conjunction with rail industry partners and wider local stakeholders. 

“It would be dependent on the necessary funding being available and approval being secured from the Department for Transport. 

“The next opportunity to review any station names will be as part of the next long franchise contract for the Greater Anglia network, which is due to commence later this year.”

The Department for Transport was contacted for comment but did not respond to the Gazette’s requests.

  • What do you think of the name? Leave us a comment below.