Twelve Northern stations honoured at Best Kept Stations event

The train operator works closely with community groups and volunteers and it was the efforts of these local heroes that were recognised on the night. 

The event was held on Thursday 16th March and attended by mayors from seven of the Boroughs that constitute the former county of Cheshire, and four town mayors. 

Altrincham Interchange in Greater Manchester won the coveted overall winner’s Best Kept Station Award, the first time the top accolade has gone to this station.  

Romiley station won the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for a new garden dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II while Heaton Chapel won the TfGM Award. 

Sandbach was named the Best Staffed Station and Goostrey the Best Unstaffed Station. Three further stations were highly commended. 

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: "The event is a celebration of volunteers and the local railway community, who through their incredible skills, passion and hard work, help to brighten up our stations. 

“We’re so grateful to everyone involved, it is their hard work and dedication that makes our stations so welcoming.”     

Northern operates more than 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England. 

Full list of Northern’s awards:   

Cheshire Best Kept Station Award - Altrincham Interchange while Mouldsworth Station was highly commended in the Cheshire West & Chester category 

Cheshire East Award - Handforth Station 

TfGM Award - Heaton Chapel Station 

John Hobbs Award for Excellence, Effort & Endeavour - Reddish South Station 

Best Staffed Station Award - Sandbach Station  

Best Unstaffed Station Award - Goostrey Station 

Best Kept Gardens - Hale Station and West Kirby stations were both highly commended in this category 

Avanti Sustainability Award - Disley Station 

Northern Promoting Rail Award - Holmes Chapel Station 

Community Rail Network Award for Community Engagement - Rose Hill Station 

Art Project Award - Woodsmoor Station 

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award - Romiley Station while Wilmslow Station was highly commended in this category for their jubilee garden. 

Rising Star Award - Alderley Edge Station