ELLESMERE Port’s once dilapidated railway station has won the Youth Challenge Award in the Cheshire Best Kept Station competition.
The station, which has been transformed by hard-working volunteers, won the title at a ceremony on January 17 at the Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich.
The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, High Sheriff and six mayors joined Lord Mayor of Chester Eleanor Johnson and Ellesmere Port mayor Angela Claydon to applaud the winners.
The station is managed by Merseyrail and the Friends of Ellesmere Port Station, a group of volunteers – including young people and students – who have worked to improve the site since October 2010.
Announcing the winner, Cheshire Best Kept Stations organiser John Hulme said: “The station 18 months ago could be best described as desperate. This is a station where volunteers have made a real difference and it is young people that have made a major contribution.”
David Roberts, retired managing director of Roberts Bakery in Rudheath, who presented the awards, said: “The partnership working between the rail industry, the town halls and the community groups is a unique example of how Cheshire makes things happen.”
Friend of Ellesmere Port Station Kenny Spain said: “It is a real team effort here at Ellesmere Port Station. We have been very pleased about the young people getting involved and the Youth Challenge Award is very well deserved and recognises their hard work and high-quality artwork.”
Local councillor Pat Merrick added: “Winning yet another award for Ellesmere Port Station is absolutely fantastic for all concerned but especially the young people whose designs brighten all passengers’ experience.”
