A CAMPAIGN to improve Warrington central station branded a 'dump' and one of the most unwelcoming in Britain is on the track to success.
The Strategic Rail Authority has now agreed to put the station into its refurbishment plans and improve the buildings, install passenger information screens, toilet and catering facilities and provide better access for disabled passengers.
Pro rail campaigner and Euro MP Brian Simpson has been pushing for the improvements at the station which he says needs bringing into the 21st century instead of languishing in the 19th!
"Getting this support is vital to the campaign. For a major town like Warrington to have one of its major stations in this state and with no catering is frankly appalling," he said.
"It gives a very poor image of our town."
In a letter to the chief executive of the SRA, he pointed out that there are no refreshment facilities, no passenger information screens, no working toilets, difficult access to platforms and the state of the buildings is very poor.
The battling MEP has now turned his attention to the train operating companies who are battling to win the new Trans Pennine Express Franchise.
So far one company, Northern Spirit, has been happy to give their commitment.
"Our bid for the Trans Pennine Express Franchise recognises the importance of this station," said managing director Nigel Patterson.
"We have visited the station, reviewed facilities currently available and identified the improvements we would make.
"These plans will be implemented in the first years of the new Franchise."
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