28 Feb 2025

Transport for Wales have been recognised at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards, with success for Nantwich and Wrenbury stations.

Presented by Craig Harrop, Regional Director West & Central for Northern Railway, the awards took place at Crewe Alexandra Football Club and recognised the work of volunteers and staff at stations across the network, in a variety of categories.

Nantwich Station scooped the big ‘Best Kept Station Award 2024’, being recognised for its glorious garden, station artwork and being a wonderful welcome to those travelling to the area, as well as those who visit locally.

Nantwich railway station has undergone a vibrant makeover, thanks to a unique collaboration between TfW, 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, pupils from Nantwich Academy Primary School, local artist Cathy Williams, and dedicated railway station volunteers. This creative initiative invites passengers traveling through Nantwich to experience the unique charm of the town through newly installed artwork prominently displayed in the platform waiting shelters.

Wrenbury picked up the ‘Art Project Award’ for its 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership funded art project in collaboration with artist Cathy Williams and pupils from Wrenbury Primary School, who explored what makes Wrenbury a special for them.

Through a series of line drawings and work with coloured sugar paper, the children brought to life their love for Wrenbury, capturing the essence of the village in their art.

Josie, Community Rail Officer at 3 Counties Connected, expressed her delight at the success of the projects:

“We are thrilled to have won two awards at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations for the Wrenbury and Nantwich Art Projects.

“Working with pupils from Nantwich Academy Primary, Wrenbury Primary, and the dedicated station adopters has been a real honour. The final displays are vibrant and truly showcase what makes these Cheshire communities so special.”

A team of independent judges visit stations during the year, primarily in the Spring and Summer. These come from community organisations that have included Rotary Clubs and Women's Institutes who provide a ‘non-railway’ perspective such as an infrequent passenger would have when visiting a station.

Mark Barker, Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said:

“The awards evening is a celebration for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up our stations in Cheshire.

“We have seen some truly excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations right across Cheshire.”

The awards are a recognition of the ongoing relationships Transport of Wales has developed with communities across the network, including the Station Adoption scheme which aims to help improve our links with local communities and customers living near unstaffed railway stations.

Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategy Lead, said:

“It’s always great seeing recognition for our station adoption volunteers and Community Rail Partnerships who give their time to improve our stations and make a huge difference.

“Here at TfW, crucial work is carried out by individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to support the services we offer. We’d like to say congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to all the volunteers who help make our stations welcoming gateways to their towns, while also connecting communities to their railway.”