Haltwhistle, Hindley and Irlam are among 20 stations competing to be recognised for their positive impact on local communities, with five regional finalists to be confirmed on 14 October.
Three stations operated by Northern have been shortlisted for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) World Cup of Stations, an annual competition asking passengers to vote for the station that has the biggest positive impact on its local community by bringing people together.
Haltwhistle, Hindley and Irlam are among 20 stations on the shortlist for the “creating connections that matter” category. RDG, which represents train operating companies, said it received more than 150 entries from across the country. The public can vote until Sunday 18 October.
How the vote will progress
On the evening of Wednesday 14 October, each regional group will be reduced to its leading station, with those five finalists progressing. The station with the most votes will be announced as the winner on Tuesday 20 October.
Ashington won last year’s title after passenger services returned to the Northumberland town for the first time in 60 years.
The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive.”
Community projects at the shortlisted stations
The station house at Irlam, in Greater Manchester, was derelict for nearly 25 years before reopening in 2015 after a £2 million restoration. It now serves as a community hub with artwork, station gardens, a heritage room containing railway memorabilia and a café bar. The building is maintained by Friends of Irlam station and hosts community events and weddings.
Hindley station, also in Greater Manchester, is known for its station gardens, which are tended by volunteers from Friends of Hindley Station. The group also works with Thrive Community Interest Company to tackle social isolation by helping people with additional needs gain the confidence to travel by train.
At Haltwhistle, in Northumberland, Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership led projects to transform old railway buildings following the station’s redevelopment. The buildings now provide offices and studios for small businesses, while the former Water Tower houses a café and a monthly market is held for local traders. Schoolchildren also take education trips to the former booking office to learn about rail safety, rail heritage, train tickets and sustainability.
Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “We’re delighted that three of our stations have been shortlisted for this year’s World Cup of Stations final.” She added: “The credit must go to the volunteers who have worked extremely hard to turn all three into thriving community hubs.”
Dan Mann, co-CEO of RDG, said: “The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive.” He added: “As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, running 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
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