THIS is how a new railway station in Chapelford could look if proposals by Warrington Borough Council are realised.

A consultation is now under way, with 10,000 leaflets due to be to delivered to homes within walking distance of the new station.

However, it is not yet clear how the £9million project will be financed after a bid for funding was turned down by the Government.

The council is planning further funding bids with support from Network Rail, with an opening in 2017 mooted.

A series of drop-in sessions will take place over the next week for residents to get more information as the consultation progresses.

Clr Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transportation and climate change, promised a state of the art railway station.

She said: “The station is being designed with convenient, well-integrated transport in mind.

“As well as parking for around 350 cars, including 18 spaces for disabled people, there will be cycle lockers plus covered shelters for 20 bikes.

“There will be a taxi rank and drop-off place, plus new bus stops outside the station building and two relocated bus stops on Sycamore Lane.”

The council says the station is needed because in the four years have seen passengers at Warrington’s six railway stations up by 22 per cent.

Clr Dirir said the project is also aimed at reducing congestion in the town.

“More than 70% of work-related trips in Warrington are made by car,” she said.

“We need to cut congestion and pollution and improve people’s choices when it comes to transport.

“It’s all part of continually making Warrington a better place to live, work and visit.”

To take part in the consultation, fill in the questionnaire at warrington.gov.uk, calling the contact centre on 443322, or e-mail comments to ltp@warrington.gov.uk.

Drop-in sessions will take place -
Friday 7 June 11am-7pm Sainsburys Chapelford
Saturday 8 June 11am-4pm Sainsburys Chapelford and Chapelford Summer Fun Day
Thursday 13 June 11pm-7pm Penketh Library
Thursday 20 June 9am-4pm Golden Square