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Lancaster shortlisted in 'World Cup of Stations' thanks to new pub

Wednesday, 24 May 2023 13:30

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The Tite & Locke at Lancaster railway station

Lancaster train station has been shortlisted as one of the best in the North West thanks to its new pub.

The city's railway station is one of five North West stations chosen to face a public vote in the 'World Cup of Stations'.

Lancaster was nominated because of its new Tite & Locke pub which opened in a disused station building in 2022.

The shortlist has been chosen by Tim Dunn, railway historian and TV presenter.

A total of 48 stations from across Britain will compete in a series of online public votes this week.

You can vote for Lancaster today (Wednesday May 24) via #WorldCupofStations or @RailDeliveryGrp on Twitter or vote online here.

Lancaster is in the 'bonus category' alongside Bishopstone (Sussex), Glenfinnan and Wernyss Bay.

The Tite & Locke is named after two men who played a key role in Lancaster’s railway network. William Tite designed the station back in the 1800s, while Joseph Locke created the track that we now know as the West Coast Main Line, that runs from London to Scotland.

The North West is one of four regions to battle it out on Wednesday May 24 in a bid to reach the final on Friday May 26 and be crowned the champion 

The tournament seeks to showcase community rail and the benefits the railways bring to residents, the environment and the local economy.  

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 other stations to have been nominated in the North West are Runcorn, Goostrey, Birkdale and Hindley.

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 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.” 

More than 100 nominations were received for stations to feature in this year's competition.

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