A RAIL company has responded to concerns raised about its new seating at Basingstoke train station.

Worries were raised about the new seating, which was described by one train passenger as 'appauling', with regard to its suitability for homeless people who may rely on it for shelter.

The passenger added: "Homeless and those struggling with addiction need support, that is where money should go to, not these inhumane things that are not just incredibly uncomfortable for passengers but designed especially so that the homeless cannot lay down.”

However, South Western Railway, which manages the station, said the new seating is standard across train stations, and intended only to 'improve customer experience'.

An SWR spokesperson said: “While passenger numbers are low, we have been investing in enhancing the services we offer in readiness for the return of more customers in the coming months.

“As part of this, we have invested in 40 new waiting shelters across the network – all of which are within the stations for travelling members of the public. These will help to improve customer experience and boost performance.

“We have invested in these shelters – which are similar to those found right across the railway – solely to improve the service that we offer our customers.

“This new waiting shelter at Basingstoke station is in the final stages of installation, which is why a fence is currently preventing customers from using it”.