Four stations in Stockport pick up top gongs at county awards bash

Four stations in Stockport have been crowned winners at Cheshire’s Best Kept Stations awards evening.

Rose Hill, Heaton Chapel, Woodsmoor and Romiley station groups all picked up gongs at the event held at the Grange Theatre in Northwich in April.

Rose Hill Station won the TfGM Award, with judges saying that the station was a ‘welcoming, well cared for place that people can truly relax in and enjoy the wonderful gardens.’

The judges added: “To travel from a station such as this invites people to return again and again. The friendly staff are a boon and the friends' group have made great efforts to involve passengers, residents and visitors.”

Romiley Station won the Community Rail Network Award for Community Engagement For their work during the Covid lockdowns. The group expanded their well-established monthly newsletter to publicise not only themselves, but also the many groups and individuals providing help to those who needed it.

Heaton Chapel Station won the Art Project Award thanks to a partnership with Stockport College. The Friends Group, together with the Heritage Society created a large 20ft mural banner showcasing the heritage of local transport modes including trains, cars and planes in the Heatons area.

Finally, Woodsmoor Station picked up their first ever award, clinching the Northern Most Improved Station Award. The friends’ group has worked well with the community to create small planting boxes and art deco style artwork.

Sarah Morgan and John Kenny, South East Manchester and Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership Officers, said: "After a challenging couple of years, it is fantastic to see the volunteers hard work, commitment and creativity recognised through the Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards.

“With 18 station groups working on projects in the South East Manchester area and 10 groups along with Crewe to Manchester line, these awards are a very important annual event in the community rail calendar.”

If anyone would like to know more about adopting a station, or joining one of the existing Station Friends groups, the Southeast Manchester Community Rail Partnership Officers can be contacted by email at communityrail@stockport.gov.uk or find out more via the Partnership's website.