Goostrey station

The old London & North Western Railway was a great user of timber for lesser stations and, indeed, for subsidiary buildings at important stations, such as on the island platform at Huddersfield. Inevitably, over the course of time most have disappeared, thanks largely to station closure or de-manning, which saw the demolition of surplus structures in favour of more easily maintained shelters. Goostrey station on the main Manchester to Crewe line, dating from 1891, is therefore a very rare survivor. It had become derelict in recent years and the station’s local friends were determined to prevent further deterioration, despite the building not being listed. They pressed Northern, as the franchise holder, to make thorough repairs that would enable new usage as a community venue. Externally much of the wooden cladding was repaired or replaced like for like. The flat canopy roof and the ridged main tiled roof were renewed, and decayed windows and door surrounds were replaced. The cast iron brackets holding up the canopy were revealed after many years and, as two were broken, new replacement ones were cast. Internally the four small rooms have been re-ordered to make two larger ones more appropriate for potential community use. Finally, the whole building has been smartly repainted in its original colours to make a pleasing finish. It gained Network Rail the Network Rail Community Award. Northern Class 323 EMU 323236 leaves on a down local service.