East-facing bay at Pitsea station

[dbij]

Passing through Pitsea station, I noticed an east-facing bay platform on the north side of the station. Track was in place but rusted. I couldn't see if it was connected to the normal running lines. Can anyone tell me:
(1) When was this last used?
(2) When was it last in regular use?
(3) What was it used for?

 

[Basil Jet]

TRACKmaps volume 2 (formerly Quail) suggests that it is not electrified.

 

[JamesC357]

No, it isn’t electrified. There is a connection to the running lines a little way to the East, however I’m afraid I can’t help with your questions regarding its use. I’m as curious to find out though.

 

[Sunil_P]

In recent years, I'm sure I've seen those Balfour-Beatty blue/white tamping(?) machines parked there.

 

[jimfrst]

Pitsea Down sidings are not electrified but occasionally a tamper machine is stabled there.

 

[John Webb]

Passing through Pitsea station, I noticed an east-facing bay platform on the north side of the station. Track was in place but rusted. I couldn't see if it was connected to the normal running lines. Can anyone tell me:
....(3) What was it used for?

It is marked as a 'Loading Bay' on the line map on page 288 of "The Midland Railway - a Chronology" by John Gough (1989, Railway and Canal Historical Society). There was a separate small yard on the line from Tilbury shortly before the junction with the direct line from Barking.

 

[rf_ioliver]

In recent years, I'm sure I've seen those Balfour-Beatty blue/white tamping(?) machines parked there.

Found this on Geograph - a tamping machine in the said bay: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2479093

 

[racyrich]

Pitsea Down sidings are not electrified but occasionally a tamper machine is stabled there.

Pic 65 in Middleton's Barking to Pitsea shows that the siding was wired in 1986. I don't know when it was unwired.