Four friends from Bishop Auckland are hoping to re-vamp Bishop Auckland train station.
Michael and Kelly O’Neill, and friends Benjamin Key and Jill Ellison are proposing that a voluntary group, provisionally named Bishop Auckland Station Trust, help with upgrading the somewhat aged, lacklustre facilities which currently serve the town.
As well as wanting to beautify the station, the organisers of the group hope to re-open the waiting room, install vending machines, open public WC’s and a public telephone.
Mr O’Neill said, “This is a community project, and our aims and objectives are to benefit the people in the town. “We feel that Bishop Auckland station is lacking in modern facilities.
“The railway station is a great asset to the town, but it is undervalued at the moment.
“The creation of this trust will hopefully maximise the station’s potential, and put it at the forefront of Bishop Auckland’s green transport plans.”
The group has invited local businesses and individuals to become involved and support the trust. It is also reported to have the support of Northern Rail and Network Rail, as well as Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman.
Representatives of Weardale Railway expressed an interest in working alongside the Bishop Auckland Train Station.
Gerry Mudd, Trust director, said, “We would like to join forces with this proposed trust, and harness their energy to give Bishop Auckland a station it can be proud of, and offer an improved service of trains towards Darlington.”
The news comes only a month before two scheduled charter trains are due to run to Weardale, from London and Crewe, respectively.
For further information or to become involved, e-mail michael.meo@hotmail.com.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
