WORK to revamp Ellesmere Port Train Station, carried out by members of the local community, has been officially unveiled at a special celebration.
Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Angela Claydon, unveiled the works, which include new art panels created by young people from the University Church of England Academy.
Artistic panels have also been created by pupils from Westminster Primary School and inside the ticket office now hang original oil paintings of famous Ellesmere Port landmarks painted by a local resident and friend of the station.
Local member for Rossmore, Cllr Pat Merrick, said: “It’s lovely to see so many local people take pride in their station and donate their time to make the station look eye-catching and vibrant and creating a welcoming view on arrival.
“I have visited the station and loved the artwork – it was good to see the primary schools’ artistic impressions of Ellesmere Port decorating the bus station and now the secondary pupils giving their views of our town to welcome passengers at the station.
“I am really proud to have more public art in my ward than any other in the borough.
“This project will not only encourage people of all ages to see Ellesmere Port as a destination and a town with lots to offer which is easily accessible by rail, but will enable the station to continue to be a vital gateway into the town.”
The project will also be an opportunity to showcase the new station gardens created by Veolia Environmental Services and maintained by the friends and street pastors, as well as the station’s new signage.
The station is being transformed by creative partnership working between Cheshire West and Chester Council, Merseyrail, Veolia Environmental Services, Station Friends, the British Transport Police, local schools and street pastors who have all given time and resources to create a more welcoming station – a key gateway into Ellesmere Port.
Bart Schmeink, Merseyrail’s managing director, said: “Stations should be welcoming and attractive.
“Ellesmere Port has been transformed by everyone involved to achieve exactly that.
“It’s a station the local community can now be proud of and it’s great to see so many different people working together for the good of their community.”