No money – but station consultation starts

WARRINGTON Borough Council is to launch a major public consultation on plans for a £9 million new railway station – despite its bid for funding being thrown out by the government.
People living within walking distance of the proposed West Warrington station will be leafleted and a series of exhibitions will be organised to enable members of the public to discuss the scheme with council officers.
The council believes the proposed station is necessary because during the last four years, total passenger numbers at Warrington’s six railway stations have increased by 22 per cent and housing developments in West Warrington, and a much larger employment base at places like Omega and Lingley Mere, mean much higher demand for public transport.
Cllr Linda Dirir (pictured), the council’s executive member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “The station is being designed with convenient, well-integrated transport in mind. As well as parking for around 350 cars, including 18 spaces for disabled people, there will be cycle lockers plus covered shelters for 20 bikes. There will be a taxi rank and drop-off place, plus new bus stops outside the station building and two relocated bus stops on Sycamore Lane.
“The proposed station will have a sheltered ticket-purchasing area, stair and lift access, and a secure toilet accessible to disabled people.”
Cllr Dirir said the council would also be lobbying the rail industry for improvements to nearby Sankey-for-Penketh station and they hoped to keep as much of the existing rail service as possible after Warrington West was opened.
She said: “At the moment, more than 70 per cent of work-related trips in Warrington are made by car. We need to cut congestion and pollution and improve people’s choices when it comes to local transport. It’s all part of continually making Warrington a better place to live, work and visit.
“We want Warrington West open before the end of 2016. But first we want to hear what members of the public think of our proposal. So we hope people will come to our drop-in exhibitions, or write or email with their views.”
More information and a questionnaire can be found online at www.warrington.gov.uk or by calling the contact centre on 01925 443322. Alternatively any comments can be emailed to [email protected]
Drop-in exhibitions will be held at stores in Chapelford on June 7-8, at Chapelford Summer Fun Day, at Penketh Library on June 13 and at Golden Square on June 20.
Warrington was earlier this month turned down by Network Rail and the Department for Transport when it sought funding for the station.
But the authority intends to submit a further bid and hopes to be successful next time.