MP Angela Rayner has praised the volunteers behind the transformation of Guide Bridge Station’s gardens after visiting the group to see their work first-hand.
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP spent time with members of the Friends of Guide Bridge Station, who have spent years improving the station grounds and turning previously neglected areas into attractive community spaces.
The volunteer group has created a number of features at the station, including a Memorial Garden featuring plaques dedicated to former railway workers and a Signal Garden featuring a signal from Dewsnap Sidings in Dukinfield.
Peter Birchill, who runs the friends group, said the volunteers had been working hard to improve the gardens and were grateful for the support they had received from local people.
He told The Correspondent: “We had a very good meeting with Angela Rayner MP at our gardens at Guide Bridge Station. She saw the Memorial Garden where we have plaques from the families of past workers from the railways.
“Also she saw the Signal garden with a signal from Dewsnap Sidings in Dukinfield. We have been working very hard on this garden, getting rid of a forest which is now looking better with all the great donations from the people of Tameside.”
The group is also hoping to open a museum at the station, in the Guide Bridge area of Audenshaw.
Peter added: “Angela said she will try to help with the museum we want to open at the station. We have been trying to get the lease for the last four years.”
Ms Rayner said she would continue supporting the group’s efforts and has asked Network Rail to meet with her to discuss the museum plans.
“The Friends of Guide Bridge put so much effort into the station grounds and I am always amazed by the scale of what they manage to achieve,” the MP commented. “I am so proud of them and I will continue to support their efforts to get the museum open so their excellent work can continue to make the station even better.”
The Friends of Guide Bridge Station regularly work to maintain and enhance the gardens, with their efforts helping create a more welcoming environment for passengers and visitors.