STALYBRIDGE is officially home to one of the area’s best kept railway stations after it won a prestigious honour.
The facility, on Rassbottom Street, picked up the Chris Dale TravelWatch Award for Large Stations prize at the Cheshire Best Kept ceremony.
Bosses said: “The historic mainline stop has seen major improvements to track and signalling matched by investment in modern passenger facilities, including a recently provided Changing Places toilet, that makes it a pleasure to use.
“However, its most well-known facility is the historic real ale Station Buffet that guarantees a good pint and cosy surroundings.
“This makes the station a destination in its own right.”
And hearing the award go to Stalybridge pleased both the presenter and the recipient no end.
John Hulme BEM, president and founder of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said: “I know Chris Dale, who this award is named after, would have been so pleased for Stalybridge to win this award.
“I have visited the station a number of times with Chris, once in the depth of winter, and I know how much he admired the hospitality of the staff and, of course, he used to enjoy visiting the Station Buffet.
“Well done, Stalybridge.”
Vicky Cropper-Clarke, stakeholder and development manager at TransPennine Express, which operates Stalybridge’s station, added: “We’re delighted that Stalybridge Station has been recognised at this year’s Cheshire Best Kept Stations awards.
“Stalybridge is a really important station for TransPennine Express, especially with the installation of a brand new changing places toilet and the recent completion of the Transpennine Route Upgrade works.
“The station colleagues do an amazing job at looking after our passengers as well as keeping the station clean and tidy and I know that they will be absolutely delighted that their station has received this accolade.”
The awards were presented before 10 borough and town Mayors by Craig Harrop, regional director west and central for Northern Rail.
He said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this celebration of volunteers and the local railway community, who through their incredible skills, passion and hard work, help to brighten up stations across the county.
“Our community partners are the heartbeat of the railway and we’re extremely proud to work closely with them to deliver such a wide-ranging positive impact across Cheshire and the North of England.”