Council consults over new £9m railway station

Warrington Borough Council will be seeking people’s views on the proposal for a new railway station in West Warrington.

As part of the consultation to be launched on 3 June, 10,000 leaflets will be delivered to households within walking distance of the proposed station, and exhibitions are planned to allow members of the public to drop in and discuss the proposal with council staff.

The council believes the proposed station is necessary because during the last four years, total passenger numbers at Warrington’s six railway stations have increased by 22%, and housing developments in West Warrington, and a much larger employment base at places like Omega and Lingley Mere, mean much higher demand for public transport.

Cllr Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transportation and climate change, said today:

“The station is being designed with convenient, well-integrated transport in mind. As well as parking for around 350 cars, including 18 spaces for disabled people, there will be cycle lockers plus covered shelters for 20 bikes. There will be a taxi rank and drop-off place, plus new bus stops outside the station building and two relocated bus stops on Sycamore Lane.”

Cllr Dirir added:

“The proposed station will have a sheltered ticket-purchasing area, stair and lift access, and a secure toilet accessible to disabled people.

“Warrington Borough Council is also lobbying the rail industry for improvements to Sankey-for-Penketh, and we want to keep as much of the existing rail service as possible after Warrington West is opened.

“At the moment, more than 70% of work-related trips in Warrington are made by car. We need to cut congestion and pollution and improve people’s choices when it comes to local transport. It’s all part of continually making Warrington a better place to live, work and visit.

“We want Warrington West open before the end of 2016. But first we want to hear what members of the public think of our proposal. So we hope people will come to our drop-in exhibitions, or write or email with their views.”

More information and a questionnaire can be found online at www.warrington.gov.uk or by calling the contact centre on 01925 443322. Alternatively any comments can be emailed toltp@warrington.gov.uk.

The schedule of drop-in exhibitions is below.

Friday 7 June 1100-1900 Sainsburys Chapelford

Saturday 8 June 1100-1600 Sainsburys Chapelford and Chapelford Summer Fun Day

Thursday 13 June 1100-1900 Penketh Library

Thursday 20 June 0900-1600 Golden Square