Stockport railway stations honoured at awards evening

Two Stockport railways stations have been honoured, with one highly commended, at the recent Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards evening.

Romiley Station won the Transport for Greater Manchester Award and Rose Hill won the Best Staffed Station Award, while Marple was Highly Commended for the Art Project Award.

The awards were held at Crewe Alexandra Football Club in February and were presented in front of community rail leaders.

Romiley Station won the Transport for Greater Manchester Award, with judges saying the Friends group is 'thoroughly embedded in its community, working with local schools and businesses, supporting charities such as the community run Stockport Hydro, promoting walks from the station and publishing a monthly newsletter'. They also praised the ambitious gardening and landscaping projects that have been delivered.

Angie Clark, Chair of Friends of Romiley Station said: “The Friends of Romiley Station are delighted to have received the TfGM award at Cheshire Best Kept Stations.

"Our thanks go to everyone who contributes to this inspiring event.”

Rose Hill Station won the Northern Best Staffed Station Award.

Judges said: "A warm welcome is in store or passengers at this station. The waiting room is a home from home, gardening activity is imaginative including an orchard and of course there are roses. The artwork on the wall facing the station building demonstrates the community involvement in this much loved station."

Rachel Singer, chair of Friends of Rose Hill Station, said: "The Friends of Rose Hill Station greatly appreciate the acknowledgement of our efforts by CBKS. We are particularly pleased that our award recognises the contribution of Northern’s Tony Tweedie to the friendliness and good upkeep of our station. Tony is part of our community and a huge factor in the community 'feel' of our station.”

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “These achievement for some of the stations in our borough is a testament to the incredible efforts of our community groups, who have worked tirelessly to enhance and maintain these stations.

"Their dedication and commitment have not only improved the appearance of our stations but also fostered a sense of pride and ownership within our community. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this remarkable accomplishment."

Nantwich Station won the coveted overall winner’s “Cheshire Best Kept Station Award”, the first time the top award has gone to this station.

On presenting the awards, Craig Harrop, Regional Director West and Central at Northern, said: "It’s fantastic to be part of this celebration of volunteers and the local railway community, who through their incredible skills, passion and hard work, help to brighten up stations across the county.Our community partners are the heartbeat of the railway and we’re extremely proud to work closely with them to deliver such a wide-ranging positive impact across Cheshire and the North of England.”