RELIEF from commuters and relief from campaigners.

That was the reaction to the news that Great Sankey residents will finally be able to get a train without standing in the rain.

Northern Rail has applied for planning permission for a waiting shelter on the Manchester bound platform of Great Sankey train station.

Two previous proposals, not applications, were turned down by the borough council because the shelters would not be in keeping with the station house, a Grade II listed building.

Brian Simpson MEP and Great Sankey resident, who is also chairman of the North West Rail Campaign, had the idea for the shelter after being told it would be too expensive to refurbish an empty building on the platform.

His reaction on hearing the news of the application was hallelujah!' He added: "The planners were saying the new shelter had to be in keeping with the building, which was absolute balderdash.

"I understand they wanted to keep the character but you had people stood there while it was pouring down with rain."

Adrian Rowland, founder of Warrington Rail Users Group, said the application was well overdue' and added: "Hopefully it will be of sturdier construction than some others on the line, provide sufficient protection and be vandal-proof."

A spokesman for Northern Rail said the planned shelter is of a newly developed standard type, similar to a bus shelter, designed to frustrate vandals, and approved by British Transport Police.

It will consist of three sides of Perspex and an open front.

Northern Rail does not expect to hear if the application has been successful until September.

sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk