( 2021 /2022 entry /exit figures : 128 272 )
A later addition to the line, New Hythe Halt as it was then known, was opened in 1929 by the Southern Railway. It was Primarily designed to serve the paper mill beside the line, and was quite a busy station.
However, it still was deemed a halt, and as such had only rudimentary facilities, including very basic wooden platforms. On top of these were two waiting shelters, which were more than adequate for a station of this size.
A level crossing at the north end of the station sufficed for many years as a way to cross the tracks, although to the south of the station there was a footbridge serving the paper mill.
Regarding this mill, a spur off of the up line took locomotives to and from the mill, and was still in use up to 2015 when it closed. However the spur is still in situ, and perhaps could be utilised for the new development by panettoni, although this isn’t confirmed.
The station had a big makeover during the electrification of the line in the late 1930’s, with new concrete platforms and waiting shelters to match. In turn a new signal box was placed by the level crossing, controlling both the crossing and the paper mill spur. It was also at this time the name halt was dropped
The station gained a rather large, pressed steel footbridge in 1961. In the early 1970’s, the level crossing was upgraded to automatic barriers, however this was totally removed in the 1990’s as a new road bridge was constructed over the line to serve a new industrial estate.
The years that followed saw re-signalling of the line, the signal box closed, and general decline in the station.
At time of writing, services are provided by Class 375 electric multiple units, at the rate of 2 per hour in both directions.
A visit to New Hythe railway station is certainly one for the hardcore enthusiast. I do hope that the regeneration of the old paper mill site will lead to its re-generation, and that it gains a better reputation than it has at the moment. If you do wish to visit sight lines to the south are very good, but can be hampered by the sun, and noise is an issue for videoing.
A video from the station can be seen below :
Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership
Rainham Rail Enthusiast 