Warrington Bank Quay train station to be refurbished
April 14th, 2008Warrington Bank Quay train station is about to receive a £650,000 facelift. The work, funded by Virgin Trains, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, and Network Rail, will see improved pedestrian access, a new passenger drop-off zone, dedicated cycle parking, and better facilities for the disabled.
Andy Farrall, Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration at Warrington Borough Council, said ‘We welcome the transformation of Bank Quay station which will make significant improvements to one of the town’s major gateways. The new facilities are all customer-focussed and will be of great benefit not only to residents but will also enhance the whole visitor experience. Together with the new bus interchange and Golden Square shopping centre and with the Winwick Street redevelopment works on the horizon, the town centre is being transformed, boosting the local economy and vibrancy of the town.’
April 28th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I frequently use Warrington BQ station, interchanging between Virgin services to the north and Arriva services to North Wales. I see no mention in your announcement of investment at Bank Quay to upgrade the passenger waiting/refreshment facilities. I think the cafe/waiting room is about the worst on any major station in the UK. It is scruffy, overpriced food and drink (£2.05 for a coffee!) is thrown at you, and you are generally treated at an inconvenience to the staff.
Doors are draughty and squeal all the time, and the staff are always chatting in the back in that conspiratorial way which smacks of bad management - never a smile. There is also usually a badly-written notice which says you are lucky to find the place open.
I have tried to find out who runs this facility on behalf of whom, in order to complain, but Google is silent, so I am venting my opinion on you!
Please do something to improve the customer experience at Warrington BQ! Why not a “Lemon Tree” unit as at Shrewsbury station? This is clean, modern and welcoming, operated by cheerful staff, but still operating within the “railway” envelope of Victorian buildings. It can be done, even if you can’t change the scenic view of Crosfields soap works.
Regards