Runcorn and Goostrey shortlisted in the ‘World Cup of Stations’

Two Cheshire^[1] railway stations have made the shortlist for the ‘World Cup of Stations’ 2023 after organisers received more than 100 nominations.

Both Runcorn^[2] and Goostrey were shortlisted in the North West region, along with Birkdale and Hindley, are now in the running to be named ‘The UK’s Best Loved Station’. The competition, which is organised by the Rail Delivery Group, takes place during Community Rail Week (May 22-26) and is designed to shine a spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that support local stations.

Over 100 nominations from across the UK were whittled down to 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn. Voting for the North West takes place tomorrow with the winner of each regional group going through to the semi-finals on Thursday, May 25. The final will be held the following day.

Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: “Our stations are the very heart of the communities they serve and I hope the people of the Greater Manchester and Cheshire get behind Hindley and Goostrey as part of the ‘World Cup of Stations’ competition. Community Rail Week, in itself, is a great initiative that highlights the positive impact that stations like Hindley and Goostrey have on their local community.

“Whether it’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment a better place by being more sustainable – these stations are helping to make a difference and it’s good to see that recognised.”

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers. The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too.

"It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail."

Over 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities.

Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, workshops and visits with children and young people.

To vote for Runcorn and Goostrey visit raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations^[4]

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here^[5]

References

1. ^{^} Cheshire (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Runcorn (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Anger as new £10m special school set to be delayed until 2025 (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
4. ^{^} raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations (www.raildeliverygroup.com)
5. ^{^} Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (data.reachplc.com)