21% of existing users of Lowestoft station would use the trains less often, if at all, if the existing station were closed and the track cut back by 450 metres. 3% of passengers might be persuaded to travel more. 80% of passenger oppose moving the station.

These were key findings of the survey of 1400 passengers carried out by the East Suffolk Travellers' Association during two weeks in August and September 2009.

A full analysis of the survey and all the unprompted comments by passengers are contained in a 40-page report which ESTA has now sent to the regeneration company 1st East, local councils, the train operator, Network Rail and politicians.

Over 50% of passengers reached or left Lowestoft station on foot and a third of visitors were heading for the shops or beach, for which the existing station is ideally suited.

ESTA is grateful for financial and practical support for the survey from the national organisation Railfuture and for financial support from the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership.