Wirral's 'best-kept' stations recognised at awards ceremony

During the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards, Hoylake took the prize for best station on Wirral for a second year in a row, while Meols station secured the Best Kept Gardens award, having claimed the ‘In Bloom’ title last year.

Hoylake station was praised as busy and spacious, while being graced with classic art deco design. Attractive and well-maintained planters, along with artwork, were highlighted as a particular reason the station came out on top.

Last year saw the station look its best as it played host to thousands of golf fans for the Open Championship, played at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Hoylake station volunteers and Merseyrail staff receive the award from Professor Paul Salveson MBE (Image: Merseyrail)Meols was hailed for work that had transformed a commuter station with skilfully planted beds and planters.

Meols station volunteers and Merseyrail staff receive the award from Professor Paul Salveson MBE (Image: Merseyrail)

The Awards were presented before 170 guests at The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich by Professor Paul Salveson MBE, chair of the South East Lancashire Rail Partnership.

Confirming the honours, Mark Barker, chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said: "What volunteers do is amazing; the passion, commitment, ingenuity, resourcefulness and sheer hard work has improved stations for passengers, the community, the railway and for yourselves. Team working, meaningful activities, using your skills, and exercise. Please keep on doing what you are doing!"

Jan Foster, from The Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom, said: "The Friends of Hoylake and Meols in Bloom were once again thrilled to receive these prestigious awards for Hoylake and Meols stations.

"This was the first time we were able to attend the awards ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

"We take great pride in our stations, and our community is delighted we have once again been honoured."

Neil Grabham, managing director of Merseyrail, said: "We are delighted to see our stations recognised for their welcoming appearance and cleanliness.

"Merseyrail staff work hard across the network to ensure we provide an excellent service to the public, and the appearance of our stations is a huge part of this.

"We’re honoured to work in partnership with local community groups who are so committed and dedicated to making the place where they live the best that it can be. It’s a privilege to support them."