Stations battle it out to be pride of the North West and the region’s champion in the World Cup of Stations

Five train stations across the North West have been nominated in this year’s World Cup of Stations, supported by the Rail Delivery Group and the Community Rail Network. 

This year’s competition takes place during Community Rail Week (22-26 May) to showcase community rail and the benefits railways bring to residents, the environment and the local economy.  

The five stations in the North West that have been nominated are: 

• Runcorn, Cheshire managed by Avanti West Coast has been nominated  as a local art group supporting adults with mental health have erected a powerful art installation. 
• Goostrey, Cheshire managed by Northern has been nominated as the 'Friends' group have led numerous activities at Goostrey, including campaigning for the restoration of the Victorian station building, which is now home to Goostrey Art Studio. 
• Birkdale, Merseyside managed by Merseyrail has been nominated as the 'Friends' group opened a community library at Birkdale after the council-run library in the area closed. The library now boasts over 60 volunteers and 5000 books. 
• Hindley managed by Northern has been nominated as Hindley's volunteers include widowers, adults with learning difficulties and young people undertaking their @DofE awards. They have created a 'wildlife corridor' for foxes, hedgehogs, nesting birds and amphibians. 
• Lancaster (One of Tim Dunn’s bonus stations, managed by Avanti West Coast) Lancaster has been nominated as a disused station building at Lancaster has been turned into a local brewery.*

Over 100 nominations were whittled down to 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn in the competition that was last held in 2019. They now face each other in a series of mini-battles to be crowned World Cup of Stations champion 2023.  
 
Each of the nominees are from one of 11 regions across England, Scotland and Wales, with four bonus stations selected by Tim Dunn. 

People can vote for their favourite North West station on Wednesday 24 May via #WorldCupofStations or @RailDeliveryGrp. 

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities and this year during Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales, which includes Runcorn, Goostrey, Birkdale, Hindley and Lancaster.

"All of the stations are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they’re doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.” 

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.  

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail. Remember: like a football World Cup, the winners each day need more and more support - in every battle, it's the one with the most votes who wins!” 

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends’ volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits.” 

We received more than 100 nominations for stations to feature in this year's competition, recognising the efforts of so many across the country in the following categories:  

• Creating social spaces – stations rejuvenated by local adoption groups who are creating spaces for the local community   
• Supporting local business – adoption groups using station spaces to host and celebrate local businesses  
• Education stations – educational spaces and workshops arranged by adoption groups held in their station   
• Tourism stations – adoption groups using their station to promote local attractions 
• Sustainable stations – environmental efforts by local community groups to improve their station’s green credentials