Improvements on Right Track

 

Work is underway at two local railway stations which have been given a £1.2m boost in a bid to get more people using public transport.

Congleton and Sandbach will benefit from the investment, with over 160 extra car parking spaces being created between them, as well as improved security throughout.

The funding has come from the Government’s Station Commercial Project Fund, and was bid for by Northern Rail with the support of Cheshire East Council which contributed £25,000 towards the project.

Sandbach station will benefit from a total of 100 extra car parking spaces and Congleton’s overspill car park will be resurfaced, creating an extra 60 spaces.

The improved car parks at both stations will benefit from new surfaces, the installation of CCTV, improved lighting and signage.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member in charge of the environment, said: “This is fantastic news for the residents of Cheshire East, many of whom will now hopefully switch to using the train.

“The Council welcomes any measure that results in a reduction of carbon emissions and we would positively encourage people to give train travel a go.

“I have seen the impact this type of investment can make to main route train stations, such as Wilmslow, and it is encouraging to see more stations benefitting from such similar investment.”

Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail Limited, said: “We’re really pleased to introduce further improvements to facilities for our passengers in Cheshire.

“With the improvements at Congleton and Sandbach due to complete early next year, we’re already looking ahead to 2013 and beyond to respond to the ever-increasing demand to travel by train in the North.”