EXCLUSIVE: Makeover for Heswall Station

Mar 19 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

CRUMBLING Heswall Station is to receive long-awaited repairs, the News can reveal.

Officials from Network Rail met with Wirral South MP Ben Chapman and representatives from Wirral Transport Users’ Association (WTUA) last week to discuss concerns about the poor condition of the station.

Rail users say they have been concerned about the wooden structure for a number of years.

In December scaffolding was erected around fencing and a ramp leading up to the platform.

Network Rail has now promised to carry out repairs.

Tony Garrett, secretary of WTUA, said: “Currently the station looks neglected and dilapidated.

“Some of the wood appears to be rotting and it is a health and safety issue for passengers.

“It’s sad because we want people to use the station and keep passenger numbers up because of the plan to electrify the line in the future.

“It’s a gateway to Heswall and it’s important we keep it looking spick and span.

“We were pleased to learn some funding is in place and hopefully the work will take place soon.”

Network Rail said it planned to replace all fencing at the back of platforms and along the ramps.

It will be replaced by high-strength steel wire mesh, removing any future painting requirements.

Both platforms will be re-decked with a glass fibre reinforced surface.

Arriva Trains Wales, who run the service on the Wrexham-Bidston line, said workers checked the station twice a week and pledged to replace platform signs.

Ben Chapman said: “Heswall Station is in a relatively isolated location, being on the outskirts of Heswall by Heswall Hills.

“It’s a bleak situation made more so by the fabric of the station itself, which essentially is in the same condition as I found it to be in 2000.

“Although some touching up has been done, basically it is in need of a wholesale refurbishment.

“We look forward to the electrification of the line, which will mean we get more passengers, more revenue and hopefully more investment.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “It’s good news and passengers are going to get virtually a brand new station.

“The job hasn’t been costed yet but it should happen some time in the next financial year.”