Arriva Trains Wales | PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS AT CHESHIRE STATIONS

PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS AT CHESHIRE STATIONS

Two Cheshire railway stations cared for by the North Cheshire Rail Users’ Group have been successful in the 2006 Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition, held at the Salt Museum in Northwich.

Helsby Award 2006 Competing against 18 other stations, Frodsham has won the ‘Best Kept Gardens’ award and Helsby has won the ‘Overall Cheshire Best Kept Station’ award - the second time it has won in the four years of the competition.

The Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition is managed and organised by The John Hulme Partnership to promote active involvement of volunteer groups at our local railway stations. The Competition started in 2003 with Helsby being the first winners at a ceremony on the Station.

Now in its fifth year, the competition is supported by the local borough councils, the rail operating companies, local business and Visit Chester and Cheshire, the local tourism board.

Frank Thomas, press officer for the North Cheshire Rail User’s Group, said: “In 2004 Helsby won the Nat West Award, in 2005 Helsby was awarded the Vale Royal Borough Council Award with Frodsham receiving a Special Category Award. We are delighted that Helsby are the first station to win the overall award for a second time.”

He continued: “The well-kept flowerbeds and neatly-refurbished signal-box provide a refreshing contrast with the dereliction of Stanlow. I publically express our thanks to Vale Royal Borough Council for the provision of Summer and Winter plants and to Arriva Trains Wales for their varied financial support for equipment.”

Karen Kinder, station manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said; “The awards for both stations are well deserved recognition for the hard work the Group has undertaken in recent years. Their commitment and dedication is an excellent example of how local communities can help us to keep rural stations in good condition.”