Network Rail provide update on Northwich Station rebuild

Network Rail has now confirmed that the rebuild has been delayed once more, with work on the exterior now not expected to be complete until March.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury is growing frustrated with the delays to the work, as well as the length of time the investigation into the collapse has taken.

He said: “I’m disappointed on behalf of the travelling public.

“It was my understanding the structural work was originally due to be completed last August.

“We’re nearly three years on from the collapse and passengers are still without a ticket office and a waiting room in the middle of winter.”

MP Mike Amesbury has voiced his disappointment at the amount of time it has taken for the rebuild and investigation following the collapse (Image: Supplied)

Chris Pye, Network Rail’s North West route infrastructure director, responded: “We thank passengers for their continued patience during the rebuilding work at Northwich station.

"We have encountered some issues with utilities which has meant some delays.

"The station remains open and accessible to passengers and we're committed to completing the build as soon as possible."

The Victorian-era roof at Northwich Railway Station came crashing down on May 18, 2021.

The Office of Road and Rail has been investigating what caused it ever since, and say that a conclusion is nearing.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm investigations into this matter are progressing to a conclusion. Further updates will be made public in due course.”

PHOTOS: How Northwich train station looked after collapse

Mr Amesbury has also voiced his anger at the Government’s response to his request to create step-free access, saying his plea 'fell on deaf ears'.

He added: “An Access for All application was lodged with the Department for Transport in a bid to fund the adaptations, but we await a decision.

“It’s scandalous we must go with a begging bowl to make public transport available for disabled people and those with mobility issues.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport explained that they are still reviewing project applications and a decision will be reached soon.

They said: “We have already funded step-free access at more than 230 stations through our Access for All programme and, thanks to reallocated HS2 funding, we have committed a further £350 million to improve accessibility at up to 100 more.

“We are currently reviewing project applications and will provide further information in due course.”

The station is still not working (Image: Supplied)

In more positive news, there are plans to launch a 'much needed' volunteer ‘friends’ group at Northwich Station.

“While the rebuild is underway, the maintenance of the station appears to have been neglected,” said Mr Amesbury.

“There was pigeon muck on one of the benches, litter that someone should have put in the bin was still on the floor and the station clock was not working.

“I’m sure enthusiastic local volunteers will make a huge difference.”

Mr Amesbury hopes the new volunteer group will help clean-up the station (Image: Supplied)