VOLUNTEERS at Greenbank are setting the standard for stations across Cheshire with their green-fingered expertise.

The Friends of Greenbank Station – which was highly commended in the recent Cheshire Best Kept Stations awards – are on a mission to get the station back to its former self.

Mark Goulborn, Nigel Nutt and FOGS’ Graham Hallett can be seen at the station every Monday, cleaning and tidying as well as planting and painting, supported in their work by the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, MCRUA and Northern.

Graham said: “We are so pleased to have been highly commended at Cheshire Best Kept Stations.

“Mark and Nigel work tirelessly to keep both the station and its car park clean and tidy along with planting up the planters.

“We are now looking with those organisations that support us on how we can get the former winning gardens on the Chester bound platform back to its former glory days.”

Among the plaudits are Simon Barber of the Mid Cheshire Development Board, Northwich town mayor Cllr Alison Gerrard – who was on hand to collect Greenbank’s award earlier this month – and MP Mike Amesbury.

Mike said: “I want to both applaud and thank Graham, Mark and Nigel for what they do at Greenbank Railway Station.

“Over 240,000 passengers use Greenbank station in a year which means it is some task to keep it clean and tidy.

“I am sure all the people in Hartford and Greenbank would like me to say a big thank you to them on behalf of the local community.”

Cllr Gerrard, added: “Having met the Greenbank volunteers at the awards evening, I made it a priority to go up and see them in action.

“I am so proud of what they have achieved in keeping the station clean and tidy and their work on the First World War centenary mural is fantastic.

“They are there every Monday, so if you are travelling that day, give them a thumbs up to appreciate the work they do”.

Cllr Kevin Rimmer is deputy mayor of Northwich Town Council, representing the Greenbank ward and a regular station user.

He said: “I use the station on a regular basis and really appreciate how the Friends’ group has turned the station around.

“I am sure I speak for all those travelling from the Greenbank ward when I say they are a credit and asset to the town.”

John Oates, of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users’ Association, said the group had made a ‘significant difference’ to the station.

Mr Barber added: “In these times of growing economies our ability to get to work, school or college by train is essential for success.

“It is equally important that we provide those travelling with a pleasant environment at the start of the working day and when returning home in the evening. This is exactly what The Friends of Greenbank Station are achieving.”