A PRESSURE group is calling for a new railway station to be opened on the outskirts of Clacton.

The Essex Rail Users’ Federation said having a station at Gorse Lane would serve residents in Great Clacton and Holland-on-Sea, as well as the industrial area and Clacton Factory Outlet.

The group put forward the site as part of its response to a consultation with the Department for Transport over the East Anglia rail franchise.

The department is planning to award a new franchise lasting up to 12 years, starting from October 2016.

The rail users’ federation said Gorse Lane was one of the locations most likely to pay for itself.

It added the line between Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe should be reopened because of proposed housing developments.