GLAZEBROOK railway station has been honoured at the annual Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards Evening – picking-up the Halton and Warrington Award.
It was the third time in-a-row Glazebrook had won this accolade.
A record attendance of 200 people watched 19 stations from across the former county of Cheshire “score” at Crewe Alexandra Hybrid Lounge, where the awards were presented.
The presentations took place before 12 borough and town Mayors, with the awards presented by transport journalist and rail industry commentator Tony Miles.
The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain, and consort were among those present.
Romiley railway station claimed the coveted overall Best Kept Station Award, the first time the top honour has gone to the station.
Tony Miles said: “While working for Northern to update its image bank of stations, I was especially struck by those where the community, alongside staff, had clearly made a real difference.
“There were flower beds, restored waiting rooms filled with pictures and historical artefacts, better
information, and notices from the groups involved inviting others to come and join them.
“A great many of those examples were in Cheshire.
“The dedication shown by volunteers across these stations in Cheshire is simply amazing.”
On announcing the awards, Mark Barker, chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said:
“Tonight is a celebration of you and your work as station volunteers. The care, commitment and pride you show make a tremendous difference, not only to the stations themselves but to the communities they serve.
“Stations are part of our daily lives. They are where journeys begin and end – the routine trips to work or the shops, a day out, a night out, or the important departures for holidays and university. They are where loved ones are welcomed home or waved on their way. They are gateways to our communities and to our lives.
“What you do touches many people, including yourselves, because working together on something worthwhile, constructive and shared brings real benefits to physical and mental wellbeing, to self-esteem and to confidence. The pride you take in your station shines out into the community and is felt by everyone who passes through.”
Glazebrook Station’s group works well to keep the station at the heart of its community with colourful planters, attractive heritage displays and a celebratory bench.
Their main project this year, inspired by Railway 200 was to restore a dilapidated 1872 water basin. This was a common feature at Cheshire Lines Committee stations, but only a few now remain. Funding was raised with the support of Warrington Borough Council and the Railway Heritage Trust. The community hall and shop, the village school, other local community groups and the parish council were all involved.
Julie Eastty of Friends of Glazebrook Station said: “The Friends of Glazebrook Station are very proud to have won the Cheshire Best Kept Stations award for Halton and Warrington for the third successive year. It recognises the hard work of our small, dedicated group of volunteers.”
