Delamere and Northwich Stations on the Mid Cheshire Line have scooped awards at the Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards Evening held at the The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich.
The Evening was attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Lord Mayor of Chester, the Mayors of Cheshire East, Halton, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Warrington, Wirral and eight other Mayors including the Mayor of Northwich.
On announcing the Awards, Mark Barker, Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said:
Delamere Station won the ‘Cheshire West & Chester Award’ for a well cared building at a clean and tidy station in a splendid woodland setting. The cafe is well worth a visit.
The station is also cared for by a volunteer group from Petty Pool Vocational College at Sandiway.
Northwich Station was Highly Commended as a Cheshire Best Staffed Station.
The station has been much improved by a partnership effort by volunteers from Northern, Network Rail and local people who tidy up the platforms and station area.
At the Awards Evening, Frodsham was named Cheshire’s Best Kept Station.
John Oates, Chairman of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partneship and Mid Cheshire Rail Users Assocation, said:
“I am delighted that two stations on the Mid Cheshire Line had won awards.
“Congratulations to those at Delamere in particular the Cafe owners and the students of Petty Pool College who keep the station clean and tidy on a regular basis.
“At Northwich I would like to thank not only the volunteers but the local rail staff who do a tremendous job in looking after the station.
“It is wonderful that the work at these two local stations has been recognised.”
Sally Buttifant, the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer, said:
“I am so proud of the station friends along the Mid Cheshire Line who make such a difference and Northern colleagues we work with.
“Great to see their work recognised through these awards.”
Mark Barker, Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said:
“Tonight’s Awards Evening is a celebration and a thank you for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up our stations in Cheshire.
“Its not just about the winners – whether or not you win an award tonight, this is a big thank you and a party for all of you and for those who support and encourage you in the rail industry, local leaders and local authorities. Your work and dedication is an act of kindness in a world where sometimes there seems to be so little.
“Tonight we have seen some truly excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations right across Cheshire from the Irish Sea to the Pennines. We hope you will all be encouraged to carry on.”
Jools Townsend Chief Executive of ACoRP, who presented the awards said:
“It was a privilege to be part of this fantastic event, which celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers across Cheshire.
“These volunteers work tirelessly to ensure their stations are welcoming gateways and hubs for their communities, bringing pride and enjoyment, and helping local people come together.
“It was great seeing how much these awards mean to these groups and hearing more about their work improving stations and benefitting local people.’
