George Osborne MP was greeted by the Wilmslow High School Band when he visited Wilmslow on Friday, 8th February, to celebrate extensive improvements at the town's station.
Joined by Mark Barker (Client & Stakeholder Manager West for Northern Rail), Cllr Michael Jones (Leader of Cheshire East Council), Cllr Rod Menlove (Chair of the Wilmslow Local Area Partnership) the Chancellor unveiled a commemorative plaque before being shown the result of the £500,000 investment.
George Osborne MP said "Wilmslow station has had a great facelift and passengers will see a huge difference. Ten years ago we fought hard to get direct train services to Wilmslow; now this campaign has paid off too. Seeing Wilmslow High School there and local volunteers like Incredible Edible was a reminder of what a strong local community we have."
George Osborne also met with pupils from Wilmslow High School who had refurbished an old parcel trolley. Denis Brudy of Wilmslow High oversaw the 8 month project which involved mainly Year 8 pupils who have transformed the 60-year-old trolley into an attractive planter which will take pride of place at the top of the forecourt.
Improvements include the installation of a new CCTV security system, monitoring both the station and its car parks, the waiting rooms have been refreshed with additional seating and the toilets have also been refurbished. Customer Information Screens provide passengers with access to the latest train running times, new signage, flooring and handrails have also been fitted throughout and new panels have been installed in the passenger subway and lobby.
The project has been funded by the Department for Transport's National Station Improvement Programme, delivered in partnership by Northern Rail and Network Rail.
These latest developments follow the provision of additional undercover cycle parking, a wheelchair-friendly ticket counter and a refurbished ticket office as a result of the partnership with Wilmslow LAP.
Mark Barker, Client and Stakeholder Manager for Northern Rail, said "We're delighted to have completed a wide-range of improvements for our passengers at Wilmslow. A million passengers now use the station and will be able to appreciate the benefits of this investment. We will continue to work with our local partners to look at more ways to improve passenger's journeys."
Cllr Rod Menlove commented "The station is a major gateway to Wilmslow and people form their first impression of the town from the appearance of the station. These improvements are hugely welcome as a contribution to the positive image of Wilmslow as well as for the better service for passengers. We have had regular meetings for several years now and are still in active discussions on future aspects such as improving cycling and bus facilities and walking routes in to Wilmslow."
Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said " It gives me great pleasure to be invited to officially mark the opening of the many improvements at Wilmslow Station which has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of over two years of work by partners.
"Headed by a sub group chaired by Cllr Rod Menlove the Wilmslow Local Area Partnership has brought together a wide range of partners with a focus to improve the facilities and outlook at Wilmslow railway station to create a gateway to the town and improve conditions for both visitors and rail passengers.
"Successful funding applications have secured many of the improvements, though we must also acknowledge the commitment of the voluntary sector and the support received from local partners including the pupils and teachers at Wilmslow High School and members of the recently formed Town Council.
"The station has been transformed as a result of the investment in time and money and Cheshire East Council are proud to be an integral part of the process."
Photo: (l-r) Mark Barker, George Osborne, Michael Jones and Rod Menlove.
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