Stourbridge has been announced as the nation's best-loved railway station after winning the World Cup of Stations for 2021.
Out of a massive 2,500 stations all over the country, Stourbridge was shortlisted along with 47 other qualifying stations to take part in the week-long event on Twitter polls.
Twelve group winners moved forward into the semi-finals with each of the groups categorised by what the stations and surrounding areas are well known for, such as; gateway for adventure, culture, history or nights out. Stourbridge was part of the enthusiast's group.
Stourbridge made it through the semi-finals up against tough competition such as Aviemore, Glasgow Central and St. Ives.
The final of the World Cup, a nail-biting affair, saw Stourbridge station take the lead over Glasgow Central in the last few minutes taking 43.3% of the votes with Glasgow Central running closely behind with 40.9%.
The World Cup of Stations has been created in a bid to make stations up and down the country as welcoming as possible hoping to encourage more passengers back onboard trains following the pandemic. The event has also been a celebration of both stations and staff throughout the country who have played a central role in supporting their local economic recovery following the pandemic.
Research undertaken for the Rail Delivery Group who ran the World Cup of Stations event has revealed that a thriving railway is vital in supporting local businesses such as shops, restaurants and hotels with rail passengers estimated to generate £133 billion each year nationally.
The summer months have seen a large uptake in rail leisure travel meeting almost pre-pandemic levels thanks to staycationers, day-trippers and shoppers getting out and about on trains. An increase in commuter travel is also being seen as people return back to the workplace.
Simone Carter, West Midlands Railway's station manager for Stourbridge, said: “A big thank you to everyone who voted for us. This is a huge honour for everyone who works at the station and we are all celebrating. In fact, since he heard the news, our Senior Mouse Catcher, George, hasn't come off the roof.”
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive at the Rail Delivery Group said: “Congratulations to Glasgow Central station and all the staff. It was a close-run contest and though there can only be one champion, the groundswell of support for Glasgow Central and all stations and rail staff across the country is testament to the crucial role they play in their areas and how they support local communities and businesses.”
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Stourbridge Junction or Stourbridge Town?
They probably added the two together. It would be a bit like saying “London” is the favourite station.
~Brian.