George Osborne visited Wilmslow train station this week to look at the improvements which have been made and to unveil a new wooden sculpture.
A railway sub group was formed over two years ago with the aim of improving links between the railway industry, Cheshire East Council and other stakeholders in Wilmslow.
This was then moved under the guidance of the Wilmslow Local Area Partnership (LAP) to help raise the group's profile and make best use of existing contacts.
The Chancellor met with members of the Local Area Partnership, local councillors, pupils from Wilmslow High School and representatives from Northern Rail on Friday, 23rd March, to learn about the recent work to improve the overall appearance and facilities for passengers.
He was given a tour to see the new noticeboard, cycle racks, ticket counter, refurbished ticket office, canopy over the platform one and herb beds planted by Incredible Edible. The probation service had also given the station a good clean up.
George Osborne unveiled the new apple sculpture, sponsored by Northern Rail and Wilmslow Local Area Partnership, which is the first of many wooden fruit and vegetable sculptures to be installed around the town centre.
Helen Yates from Incredible Edible said: "It is a pleasure to be involved in the station improvements. We have a great relationship with the Council and Northern Rail staff and are very proud to be part of the changes."
Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, told wilmslow.co.uk "We've been running an adhoc sub committee here for a couple of years with the cooperation of other local groups, particularly Northern Rail, with the aim of improving the appearance of the station.
"It is very pleasing that George Osborne has been able to come here today to look at the progress and we very much hope and expect to have further improvements over the next year or two."
Following his visit, George Osborne said "I was greatly impressed to see the recent improvements to Wilmslow station, including new bike racks, noticeboards, and of course those lovely herbs planted by Incredible Edible. It feels really welcoming. The planned improvements to the station underpass will be a great addition to the site."
Video: Keith Carter Harris, Incredible Edible Wilmslow interviewing George Osborne.
