Train operating company, TransPennine Express, has announced that one of their railway stations, Stalybridge, has received a top prize at the 15th annual Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards.

The station 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 the 23rd January 2018 at the Grand Theatre in Northwich. The awards were presented by Jools Townsend, Chief Executive of ACoRP (Association of Community Rail Partnerships).

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

In the last year, passengers at Stalybridge have benefited from the addition of new bench seating, enhanced Wi-Fi, and more Sunday services to Hull, Leeds, and Manchester. Bran new information screens are soon to be installed, improving the offering of information, especially during the disruption.

What did the officials say?

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”.

• Visit the TransPennine Express website
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