A partnership between Flintshire County Council, the Welsh Assembly Government and Arriva Trains Wales has secured major improvements at Shotton Station to bring it to the best possible standards for passengers. Works commenced in March 2009 and Phase One is now complete. Phase Two will see a new ticket office on the High Level.
Work includes new modern passenger shelters and new automated ticket vending machines, all aimed to improve passenger comfort and convenience.
The footpath between the High and Low Level stations is resurfaced, widened and secured. There is new signage to assist new passengers find their way around. The station has also benefited from substantial repainting, giving it a fresh appearance.
For those who wish to cycle to the station, there are new bicycle racks and a cycle wheel ramp over the steps up to and over the footbridge.
Work on the final phase will start before the end of the year, with a new ticket office and waiting room facilities incorporating new departure information screens being installed on the High Level platform.
Welsh Assembly Government Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: “I’m delighted with the progress of this project and I’m sure it will provide a much better experience for users of this station.
“Our investment here is another example of our commitment to make public transport as accessible as possible to provide a real alternative to the car and fulfil our One Wales promise of delivering an integrated transport system fit for the 21st century.”
Ian Bullock Arriva Trains Wales customer services director said: “Shotton station is a key station linking the border areas of Wales with the North Wales Coast. Thanks to the investment of Flintshire County Council and other partners, the station is already much improved and when work is completed it will have more modern facilities in tune with the expectations of today’s rail passengers.”
Funding has been provided from WAG through Taith, the Regional Transport Consortium for North Wales.
TAITH Vice-Chairman and Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, Councillor Tony Sharps, said: “This is an excellent example of collaborative working between organisations committed to improving public transport for the residents of Flintshire. The upgraded station will provide first class facilities for residents of Shotton and Deeside and the refurbishment and new signage will, I am certain, result in increased usage. I am proud of the part Flintshire has played in this partnership and look forward to the completion of the second phase’.”
Community Rail Officer, Jamie Sant has produced an exhibition of photographs depicting Shotton station in days gone by to compare with the very latest images after refurbishment. He said: “I am confident the improved facilities will assist in the promotion of the Borderlands Line and journey integration including cycling and bus and car based park and ride.”
The exhibition will be on display at Shotton Station ticket office from 28 August 2009.
Photograph: Councillor Doreen Mackie, member for Shotton East, Councillor Tony Sharps, Michael Whittaker, Taith Executive Officer, Stacey Wynne, Travel Plan Officer, Jamie Sant, Community Rail Officer and Councillor Ann Minshull, member for Shotton West.
