PLANS for a new ticket machine, CCTV and waiting shelter at Sankey for Penketh Station have been submitted.

Arriva Rail North is making improvements to the site as part of plans to upgrade it’s stations.

Planning documents say a new anti-vandal waiting shelter, with space for up to 15 people to wait, will be built on platform two. It will replace an old shelter.

A new ticket machine will also be installed underneath the canopy on platform two, which will be available for card-only payments.

And CCTV cameras will be put up at five different sites covering the platforms and waiting areas.

The documents say: “The works are intended to provide additional passenger facilities that are attractive, improve security and sensitively fit in with the listed station building.

“Passengers have little shelter available when the main building is closed and seats are only available on the Manchester bound platform.

“The form and layout of the proposals presented has resulted from the applicant’s wish to improve waiting facilities on offer to passengers, security and passenger ticket supply provision.”

The station, which runs Northern train services, dates back to 1874 and is a grade II listed building, but a heritage assessment says the work will have little impact on the site’s character.

Cllr Dan Price, (LAB - Great Sankey and Whittle Hall) said: "This is great news and adds to the car park resurfacing, new lighting, new electronic displays and raised platform that the local Labour councillors had already achieved.

"However, west Warrington needs better rail services, especially the introduction of a Sunday service.

"The position of local Labour councillors is that Sankey station's continued operation is fundamental and Arriva's latest decision to invest here further proves it."

Since plans were announced for a new Warrington West Station to be built in Chapelford, residents have been concerned about the future of Sankey for Penketh and launched a petition against changes. Plans are for the station to maintain a peak hour service when Warrington West Station opens.