Stations that should be renamed to a more suitable name.

[mike57]

I've only been to Hull once, but I did see the word Paragon more than once.

The signal box outside Hull still has 'Hull Paragon' on it in large letters, and local people (my wife is from Hull, or 'Ull as the locals refer to it) still refer to it as Hull Paragon, or Paragon station. When you consider that the other terminal station Cannon Street closed to passengers in I think the 1920s its surprising that the 'Paragon' designation has survived. The Paragon name comes from Paragon Street which is the road which runs towards Queen Victoria square from the station.

 

[Turtle]

Preston Park - North Brighton
Preston then can lose its unnecessary Lancs suffix

Good one.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Dec 2022 ==

Westcombe Park - Blackheath Royal Standard, having lived in the area for years, nobody calls the area around this station Westcombe Park, it’s known locally as Blackheath Royal Standard, so maybe call it Blackheath North for a simpler name.

Stratford International - Stratford Highspeed, international trains have never, nor ever likely to ever call at Stratford, it’s served only by Southeastern Highspeed trains so Stratford Highspeed makes more sense.

Denmark Hill - Camberwell, Denmark Hill is a sub district for the larger area, a compromise could be Denmark Hill for Camberwell or Camberwell & Denmark Hill

North Dulwich - Dulwich Village, quite frankly I find all the stations in Dulwich geographically challenged, North Dulwich is west of the Village area which itself is really west of West Dulwich station, which in turn is technically South Dulwich and East Dulwich is more north than North Dulwich.

Catford & Catford Bridge - Catford Town, I do recall a plan to have one complex for these two stations to merge into years and years ago but it never happened obviously but had it happened, Catford Town would be my name for it.

I used Westcombe Park for 12 years and don't recollect anyone calling the area Royal Standard.
That was the name of a pub.

 

[Basil Jet]

Preston Park - North Brighton
Preston then can lose its unnecessary Lancs suffix

You still have Preston Road on the Metropolitan Line.

 

[LOL The Irony]

You still have Preston Road on the Metropolitan Line.

Isn't served by National Rail so isn't a problem here. If you confuse a minor tube station with a large interchange station in Lancashire, then you frankly deserve to get carted off to Preston (or at least pay the astronomical fare).

 

[Bletchleyite]

Isn't served by National Rail so isn't a problem here. If you confuse a minor tube station with a large interchange station in Lancashire, then you frankly deserve to get carted off to Preston (or at least pay the astronomical fare).

Notably there used to be a Preston Road (Merseyside), which was renamed to Rice Lane in the 80s. I wonder if that was due to the Tube station or due to confusion with Preston (Lancs)?

(It's so close to Walton I've never understood why they haven't been rebuilt into one interchange complex)

 

[Railwaysceptic]

That might avoid some wrong ticket sales. It's not in Loughborough and it's not a junction to go to Loughborough, so I've always thought that one a bit odd.

An adjacent street is called Loughborough Road.

 

[bramling]

Neither of these are silly or unnecessary. They impart useful information in a succinct way.

Parkway clearly indicates a station with lots of car parking and good access to the motorway network. It was a concept pioneered by Bristol Parkway in 1972 and subsequently replicated elsewhere.

I wouldn’t say the term parkway is particularly clear. In the cases of Port Talbot or Didcot in particular it’s very unclear what actual value the suffix adds. We may understand what a parkway is meant to be, locals might, but does the wider population?

And what don't you like about Spas, On Seas and By Seas!

Really this should reflect the true name of the place, or at least what people commonly say.

“Bath Spa” doesn’t sit right with me, as I don’t think I’ve ever heard a single person refer to the city in that way, and very few even refer to the station as that.

In terms of “on Sea” there’s an element of inconsistency to that. “Clacton” became “Clacton-on-Sea” a few years ago, yet in another part of Essex there’s “Southend Victoria”, “Southend Central”, “Southend East”, and now of course “Southend Airport”. On balance, because “Southend-on-Sea Victoria” is a horrible mouthful, and because most seaside stations *don’t* have any “on Sea” suffix, I’m not sure there’s any massive value in Clacton being an exception. I guess the real reason for Clacton was a political desire to promote the seaside, as opposed to reason most people probably go there, which is likely to be for the local magistrates court or job centre!

 

[Grumpy]

Come to think of it, New Pudsey - opened in 1967 - should have been named Stanningley, after the village (now suburb) in which it is situated. It's quite a distance from most parts of Pudsey.

I understand what you are saying, but according to Wiki P it's actually in Farsley

 

[Kilopylae]

I wouldn’t say the term parkway is particularly clear. In the cases of Port Talbot or Didcot in particular it’s very unclear what actual value the suffix adds. We may understand what a parkway is meant to be, locals might, but does the wider population?

Given the purpose of a parkway station (to suck up commuters and long-distance travellers who might have otherwise used the motorway), you'd think locals are the main target audience for the suffix?

That said, I am coming around to renaming the station in Stoke Gifford to "M4 Junction 19", though. It does fit the vibe!

In terms of “on Sea” there’s an element of inconsistency to that. “Clacton” became “Clacton-on-Sea” a few years ago, yet in another part of Essex there’s “Southend Victoria”, “Southend Central”, “Southend East”, and now of course “Southend Airport”. On balance, because “Southend-on-Sea Victoria” is a horrible mouthful, and because most seaside stations *don’t* have any “on Sea” suffix, I’m not sure there’s any massive value in Clacton being an exception. I guess the real reason for Clacton was a political desire to promote the seaside, as opposed to reason most people probably go there, which is likely to be for the local magistrates court or job centre!

But it's the name of the place, not a contrivance of the railway's. In line with your 'COMMONNAME' policy by which the full names of places can be contracted, should Weston-super-Mare become 'Weston'? Should Newton Abbot become 'Newton'? Come to think of it, maybe Okehampton should be 'Oakey' and 'Oxford' should be 'Ox'.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Should Newton Abbot become 'Newton'?

That might be a good idea. But what would you then rename the already existing 'Newton' station in the Glasgow area, to?

 

[greatkingrat]

Rename Willesden Junction to Harlesden
Rename Harlesden to Stonebridge Park
Rename Stonebridge Park to Tokyngton (or South Wembley?)

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I understand what you are saying, but according to Wiki P it's actually in Farsley

There's also another "Stanningley" on the edge of central Leeds (roughly where the lines to Harrogate and Shipley diverge) which it could be confused with. Then again there's a Cottingley in Bradford which doesn't seem to cause any problems with the one with a station (for the time being) near Leeds.

 

[Kilopylae]

That might be a good idea. But what would you then rename the already existing 'Newton' station in the Glasgow area, to?

I'd leave Newton Abbot alone!

Rename Stonebridge Park to Tokyngton

That would be good!

 

[NoRoute]

I'd say 'University' station is a strong candidate for being renamed, firstly because there's so many universities its needs the location adding to clearly identify which university it is located next to, secondly because it hogs the "university" name for a single location when it might be useful to have other "university" stations now and in the future.

 

[Peter0124]

I don't like the station name 'Newton' because it just sounds so generic. Yes the village of Newton Farm is nearby but why not name it Drumsagard or Westburn or even 'Cambuslang East'

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Dec 2022 ==

That might be a good idea. But what would you then rename the already existing 'Newton' station in the Glasgow area, to?

 

[bussnapperwm]

Sandwell and Dudley to Oldbury or West Bromwich South

 

[al green]

Slightly relevant question - pre MKC was Bletchley ever called "Bletchley for Milton Keynes", or did the furore when it was suggested to rename it and Wolverton to MK North and MK South make them leave it alone?

I don't think it was ever called "Bletchley for Milton Keynes" but IIRC the running in boards did say "Bletchley for Milton Keynes" before MKC was built.

 

[Recessio]

1. Clapham Junction -> Battersea Junction
2. Queenstown Road (Battersea) -> Battersea Queenstown
3. Aldgate East -> Brick Lane
4. London Liverpool Street -> London Bishopsgate
5. City Thameslink -> Ludgate
6. Newhaven Town -> Newhaven [and then shut Newhaven Harbour]
7. London Road (Brighton) -> Brighton North
8. London Road (Guildford) -> Guildford North
9. Surrey Quays -> Surrey Docks
10. Staines -> Staines-upon-Thames
11. Brent Cross -> Brent Cross East [no idea why they didn't do this when they added the Battersea branch, as they had to do new signs and announcements anyway!]

 

[zwk500]

Clapham Junction -> Battersea Junction

Why? The location isn't relevant to 99% of users. Calling it 'That station where you change' would be more helpful...

Newhaven Town -> Newhaven [and then shut Newhaven Harbour]

Why? Newhaven harbour serves a different area and removing it gives no passenger benefit to the other stations on the line.

London Road (Brighton) -> Brighton North

Preston Park would be Brighton North. If you're renaming London Road it's Brighton East or Ditchling Rise/Road

London Road (Guildford) -> Guildford North

Again, it's more Guildford East than North.

Staines -> Staines-upon-Thames

Again, what does this add for anybody using the station?

 

[RobShipway]

Why? The location isn't relevant to 99% of users. Calling it 'That station where you change' would be more helpful...

Why? Newhaven harbour serves a different area and removing it gives no passenger benefit to the other stations on the line.

Preston Park would be Brighton North. If you're renaming London Road it's Brighton East or Ditchling Rise/Road

Again, it's more Guildford East than North.

Again, what does this add for anybody using the station?

I agree with the above comments.

If the plans go ahead within the next 10 - 20 years, the Newhaven Harbour station is likely to be moved as the Ferry terminal will be moved to the outer harbour area and within the area, you will have a industrial estate that will give the area quite a few jobs. If you close down Newhaven Harbour station, where would those people travel to get to work? Also, you have a Brighton Hove buses depot within the same area, those staff not wishing to drive into work, where do they travel too?

With regards to London Road (Brighton) I would suggest if the name was to change, that it becomes Brighton East, as it is not anywhere near Ditchling.

 

[zwk500]

I agree with the above comments.

If the plans go ahead within the next 10 - 20 years, the Newhaven Harbour station is likely to be moved as the Ferry terminal will be moved to the outer harbour area and within the area, you will have a industrial estate that will give the area quite a few jobs. If you close down Newhaven Harbour station, where would those people travel to get to work? Also, you have a Brighton Hove buses depot within the same area, those staff not wishing to drive into work, where do they travel too?

The railway is no longer functionally relevant to the ferry, regardless of where the terminal is. But yes, it serves the docks and associated industrial areas as well as the cottages in that area. I'd be surprised if the ferry terminal ever does move, unless it's part of moving to bigger boats.
The only benefit of closing Newhaven Harbour would be to simplify the junction layout for the Marine Freight terminal and single line junction, which really isn't a problem that needs fixing. It's not like GTR are paying vast amounts to maintain the station...

With regards to London Road (Brighton) I would suggest if the name was to change, that it becomes Brighton East, as it is not anywhere near Ditchling.

It's on the street Ditchling Rise, and Ditchling Road is quite a major road for that part of Brighton which passes over the tunnel immediately east of the station. It's a local station, anybody using it will know it's not for Ditchling Village, which doesn't have a station, and will know Ditchling Road in Brighton as a much clearer area than 'Brighton East', especially with Mouslcoomb the next stop up the line.

 

[Bletchleyite]

With regard to CLJ "South London Interchange" would make some sense but everyone knows where it is so I wouldn't bother.

I do think Old Oak Common should be called "West London Interchange".

 

[zwk500]

With regard to CLJ "South London Interchange" would make some sense but everyone knows where it is so I wouldn't bother.

I do think Old Oak Common should be called "West London Interchange".

The thing with London is that it's so broad that geographic indicators aren't really that useful. Brixton or Even East Croydon could feasibly be described as 'South London Interchange'. West London Interchange would also potentially lead people away from the fact that 1. it's a long distance station and 2. It serves trains to South and East london as well as the North West.
Clapham Junction isn't worth changing, it's too ingrained in people's minds. Old Oak Common may not be the best name in the world but I doubt that Acton, Wembley or Willesden Interchange would be much better.

 

[Kilopylae]

With regard to CLJ "South London Interchange" would make some sense but everyone knows where it is so I wouldn't bother.

I do think Old Oak Common should be called "West London Interchange".

South London Interchange makes me think of East Croydon or even Redhill/Three Bridges.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2022 ==

Old Oak Common may not be the best name in the world but I doubt that Acton, Wembley or Willesden Interchange would be much better.

I do think OOC sounds too backend and I'd have preferred something like Willesden Main Line.

Although having yet another Acton station would be *fun* - if not very useful.

 

[PTR 444]

South London Interchange makes me think of East Croydon or even Redhill/Three Bridges.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2022 ==


I do think OOC sounds too backend and I'd have preferred something like Willesden Main Line.

That would be too similar to Acton Main Line (which IMO should be renamed to Acton Horn Lane)

Although having yet another Acton station would be *fun* - if not very useful.

Willesden Junction might work if the name was extended to cover OOC as well. At the end of the day the two stations will form part of an interconnected hub (hopefully with long-distance WCML services calling too).

 

[The Planner]

It will end up being called whatever the surrounding regeneration is. You can spin Old Oak Common a lot more than Acton or Willesden. Its like calling Canary Wharf, Blackwall West, it doesn't sound as good.

 

[zwk500]

South London Interchange makes me think of East Croydon or even Redhill/Three Bridges.

East Croydon maybe, but Redhill/Three Bridges is in no way South London. South London Parkway maybe.

I do think OOC sounds too backend and I'd have preferred something like Willesden Main Line.

I think Park Royal is the name a lot of the development is trying to use.

 

[The Planner]

I think Park Royal is the name a lot of the development is trying to use.

Another name you can spin. London Park Royal sort of has a ring to it.

 

[Basil Jet]

That would be too similar to Acton Main Line (which IMO should be renamed to Acton Horn Lane)

The part of Horn Lane with the important shops (which is not part of the A4000, and is easy to miss on a map) is 600m from Acton Central, 800m from Acton Town and 1200m from AML.

Willesden Junction might work if the name was extended to cover OOC as well. At the end of the day the two stations will form part of an interconnected hub (hopefully with long-distance WCML services calling too).

While it has one entrance in the historic borough of Willesden, neither entrance is anywhere near any modern definition of Willesden. It is slap bang in the middle of Harlesden, unlike Harlesden station.

 

[Pit_buzzer]

Hatfield and Stainforth in South Yorkshire, would be more accurately called Dunscroft or maybe Dunscroft and Stainforth
When built it would have been about halfway between the two named villages. Since then, Stainforth has expanded right to the railway on the north side but the area to the south is occupied by the separate village of Dunscroft with Hatfield being a good 20 minute walk across Dunscroft.
The only station access road is in Dunscroft. You can be in Stainforth with only a 5 minute walk but not so Hatfield