MAKING YOUR WAY TO BILLERICAY THIS WEEKEND

The trains into the dark heart of Essex may be out this weekend but don’t let that dissuade you from the trip to the New Lodge.

Planned engineering works in conjunction with Crossrail, or the Elizabeth Line as it should now be called, mean a longer journey for supporters who will have to avail themselves of Rail Replacement buses to complete their journey to Billericay.

Since the start of March Network Rail has been undertaking weekend upgrade work to the overhead electricity wires that power the trains, ensuring they don't sag in hot weather and cause even more delays. These will be taking place between Ingatestone and London, meaning no trains will be serving Billericay Station at these times.

For Dulwich Hamlet fans making their way to the New Lodge ground of our hosts Billericay Town tomorrow (Saturday 12th March), the railwaymen have kindly laid on buses from Newbury Park Underground. These depart three times an hour at xx:10, xx:30 & xx:50 and take approximately three quarters of an hour to reach Billericay.

Billericay Town Football Club is approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the station. On leaving the station turn right into Radford way. At the top of the road turn right, crossing the Railway line by the footbridge. Then turn right again at the bottom of the High St. into Western Road. Walk the full length of Western Road, then cross over at the traffic lights into Tye Common Rd. Blunts Wall Lane is a little way along on the right. Mayflower Taxis (01277 624000) and Swift Cabs (01277 757575) are recommended by Billericay Town FC. Both are located just outside the station and can take you to the ground.

Alternatively, supporters may choose to take the C2C train from London Fenchurch Street, calling at West Ham for the Jubilee Line interchange, to Basildon from whence the 100 bus runs regularly to Billericay dropping passengers off by the key watering holes along the High Street. Once sustained follow the directions, remembering to start at the High Street NOT the station. Alternatively, if there is enough in your party, a Hansom Cab from Basildon may prove just as cost-effective as the public transport option.