Rail station repairs are put back to new year
WORK to repair Heaton Chapel train station is now not due to start until early in the new year.
The station has been surrounded by scaffolding and its stairs have been closed since part of the roof collapsed under a build up of water in April.
Rail operator Northern previously said that repair work would start last month, but has now announced that it will commence early in the new year and be completed by spring.
In addition to replacing the roof, Northern and Network Rail will also be replacing the flooring, repainting signs, improving the lighting, redecorating the station building and installing new artwork.
Councillor David Sedgwick welcomed the news that wider station improvements would be carried out in addition to the repair work, but called on the rail operators to keep local MPs and the council better informed about the progress of the work.
He said: “Obviously convenience is a factor and the way it has been left boarded up, looking derelict is another.
“We were made promises about how much better it would look.”
The train operators are holding a community open day on Wednesday, November 30 from 4pm to 7pm at The Moor Club on Heaton Moor Road.
Representatives from Network Rail and Northern will be attending to share more detailed plans on the station improvements and answer any questions.
Members of the Friends of Heaton Chapel station will also be in attendance to discuss their plans for improving and promoting the station.
A spokeswoman for Northern and Network Rail said: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the disruption, any inconvenience this may have caused and provide an update on the work to repair the damage. “The cause of the incident, which happened earlier this year, was due to a build-up of water on the roof which resulted in irreparable damage to the structure.
Since the incident, the stairway has been closed with an alternative walking route across the station in place.
“Northern and Network Rail would like to thank customers for their patience during this time
“These essential repairs and upgrades will make Heaton Chapel station a much more pleasant start or end to your journey.”