AN art deco tube station is about to be revealed in its full glory for the first time in seven years after a date was set to remove a group of 'eyesore' workmen's cabins from outside it.
Views of Wanstead Underground Station have been blighted since several large metal containers were positioned next to it in 2003 as a base for work being carried out on its escalators.
The cabins then remained outside the landmark building for the rest of the decade after the station was earmarked for renovation work which was delayed until last summer.
But now the station - which was designed by influential architect Charles Holden in the 1930s before finally being completed after the Second World War - is set to be fully revealed again after Transport for London (TfL) announced that the containers would be removed in March once current restoration work was completed.
The news was welcomed by Wanstead Society member Jamie Hodge, who commutes to work from the station.
He said: "This is great news.
"I'm delighted to hear that they're going because they had blighted the look of the station for a long time.
"It's about time the cabins were removed. The work was supposed to have been finished months ago.
"I just hope they (TfL) stick to the schedule and they are actually removed in March."
Local historian Peter Lawrence, a member of Redbridge Conservation Advisory Panel, said: "The cabins have been an architectural eyesore for quite a few years now.
"They have been carrying out alot of work there but thankfully that's coming to an end.
"The station has a fascinating history and it will be good to see it back to its best again."
A TfL spokeswoman said: "Wanstead station has undergone modernisation work which included upgrading the existing CCTV system, improving the PA system and building a new state-of-the-art station control room.
"We are currently finishing off snagging works at the station which should be complete in March and the Portakabins will then be removed."
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