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Stalybridge Named Best Large Station

Stalybridge Named Best Large Station
Written by Amy

 

Stalybridge railway station has received the top prize at the 15th annual Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards.

The station which is managed by TransPennine Express beat off competition from: Chester, Crewe, Macclesfield, Manchester Airport, Runcorn, Stockport, Warrington Bank Quay and Wilmslow to win the TravelWatch NorthWest accolade for ‘Best Large Station.’

The ceremony took place on 23 January 2018 at the Grange Theatre in Northwich and the awards were presented by Jools Townsend, Chief Executive of ACoRP (Association of Community Rail Partnerships).

Judges praised the station for its friendly staff, cleanliness and excellent facilities. They were particularly impressed by the booking office which they described as light and welcoming as well as the mural which adorns the walls of the subway. The station buffet bar also received a special mention.

In the last 12 months customers at Stalybridge have benefited from the addition of brand new bench seating, enhanced Wi-Fi and more Sunday services to Hull, Leeds and Manchester. Brand new information screens will soon be installed at the station offering an increased amount of information, especially during disruption.

Cllr Joyce Bowerman, Civic Mayor of Tameside, who collected the accolade on the night said: “I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of Stalybridge Station. It’s used by a great many Tameside residents so it’s satisfying to know they are able to benefit from such good facilities.

“It was a real pleasure to attend the presentation evening in Northwich where I was also able to receive an award on behalf of Hattersley, another Tameside station.”

Lucja Majewski, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express said: “We are over the moon that Stalybridge and the hard work and friendliness of our colleagues has been recognised in this way. We are committed to the communities we serve and will continue to develop our stations in line with our vision to Take the North Further.”

John Hulme, president and founder of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, who attended the presentation, said: “My congratulations to the staff at this TransPennine Express station, also known for its unique Victorian Station Buffet Bar, on winning this award.  Our judges found the staff very pleasant and helpful and the station clean, tidy and welcoming.  We hope this is the first of many wins for Stalybridge Station”.

 TransPennine Express is investing £18million in stations across the north and is currently delivering a £32million upgrade of its existing Class 185 trains.

 

About the author

Amy