News idea is right on track

By Sarah Schwager
MAYFIELD Ward councillor Steve Beardon wants to see the Merinda Park railway station in Cranbourne North taken back to its grassroots.
Cr Beardon has raised the possibility of establishing a news stand at the station so people can buy a newspaper and drink on their way to work or school, as was the case when he was a child.
He has written to Connex to discuss the feasibility of a newsstand on the platform at the Merinda Park station.
“The local milk bar has closed at Merinda Park, and depending on numbers at this station this may provide a much-needed presence, a sense of community, and good old-fashioned service,” Cr Beardon said. “I remember as a kid always being able to grab a paper and a drink, and thought this a proposal worthy of public comment.”
Cranbourne and District Residents Association president David Banner said more of a presence at the station could help improve safety.
Mr Banner said at the moment Merinda Park Station was in quite a remote area, with open expanse on one side of it.
He said he hoped a news stand would encourage more people to use the station, which would help make that area more populated.