‘Station like something from a 70s horror film’
COUNCILLOR SAYS RAIL HUB NEEDS OVERHAUL
STOCKPORT train station has been described as ‘akin to a 1970s horror movie’ by a town hall chief.
Coun Steve Gribbon made the unflattering comparison while calling for extra funding to bring it up to the standard of similar rail hubs across the country.
The Marple representative was speaking at a meeting of the council’s regeneration and scrutiny committee, which he chaired.
He said: “When you compare it to other decent-sized stations – multilane stations like York and places like that – it is an absolute eyesore.
“I’m sorry to be brutally up-front, but we could do with real investment there. When you turn up to those places it’s a pleasure to get off, whereas in Stockport you want to get out or get through - there’s a big difference.”
Coun Gribbon added that the underpass through which people exit to either Edgeley or the town centre was particularly grim for travellers.
He continued: “When you get off you
come through those tunnels that are akin to a 1970s horror movie, they are awful.
“We need something to try and brighten them up - something to make you welcome to the area.”
Paul Richards, the council’s director for regeneration and development, was able to offer some hope that the appearance of the station would improve in future.
He told the meeting how the station sits within the Stockport Town Centre West regeneration zone - also known as the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) area - and was ‘high on the list of priorities.’
He added: “We have already had a conversation with the Mayor (Andy Burnham) about how we can raise that even further in the consciousness of Network Rail, because it is key to delivering the MDC.” Coun Gribbon also raised concerns over security at other stations across the borough, including Strines, Heald Green and Cheadle Hulme. He called for improved CCTV, lighting or security presence, as some people were avoiding using them due to levels of car crime and a feeling they were ‘unwelcoming places.’