A Trio of Merseyrail Stations Triumph at Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards

MERSEYRAIL is celebrating the success of 3 of its stations at this year's Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards, which took place on:- Thursday, 6 February 2025 at Crewe Football Club.

The awards, founded in 2003 by Cheshire businessman John Hulme BEM, recognise the efforts of local communities in enhancing and maintaining railway stations in their local communities. A panel of judges, drawn from community organisations such as Rotary Clubs and the Women's Institute, assess the stations based on the experience of an occasional traveller, ensuring a fresh and non-railway perspective.

Merseyrail were delighted that three of its stations were honoured at this year's ceremony. These included Bebington station, which was named:- 'Best station on the Wirral.' Hoylake station which received the:- 'In Bloom Award' and not forgetting Meols station, which was highly commended in the:- 'Best staffed station' category.

The awards recognise the dedication of hundreds of community volunteers and Merseyrail staff who work tirelessly to create welcoming and attractive station environments for travelling customers.

Sally Ralston BEM, Merseyrail's Head of Community and Engagement, said:- "We are incredibly proud of our station adoption groups and volunteers who give so much of their time and effort to make our stations wonderful places for the community and our customers. Their passion and commitment have once again been recognised, and these awards are a testament to their hard work. At Merseyrail, we are committed to working alongside the communities we serve, to ensure our stations are more than just transport hubs, they are welcoming spaces that reflect the pride of the people who use them."

Merseyrail extends its congratulations to all involved in this year's awards and remains committed to supporting community initiatives that enhance the station experience for customers travelling across the network.

Signs Express Central Lancashire and Southport Win Franchisee of the Year 2024-25

SIGNS Express Central Lancashire and Southport, owned and operated by Matt Rutlidge, has been awarded:- 'Franchisee of the Year 2024 to 2025' at the Annual Signs Express Franchise Awards.

This prestigious accolade recognises excellence across the Signs Express network, which spans over 70 locations across the UK and Ireland.

The award is particularly significant as it comes within the 1st year of Mr Rutlidge's tenure as Managing Director.

In addition to securing the top franchise award, he was also named:- 'Newcomer of the Year', further highlighting the exceptional progress made under his leadership.

With the launch of Signs Express Southport in January 2025, these achievements reinforce the company's expertise and commitment to delivering high quality signage solutions to businesses across the Region.

Speaking on the award win, Matt Rutlidge said:- "It is an honour to be recognised as Franchisee of the Year, especially in my 1st year leading the business. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support of our customers and partners. With the opening of Signs Express Southport, we look forward to expanding our services and continuing to build strong relationships in the area. We've had a fantastic 1st month and the location, managed by local Sandgrounder, Paul Morris is out-performing expectations already"