SAYING those goodbyes to a loved one can be the worst part of any journey.

But parting will no longer be in such sweet sorrow at Bank Quay Station with the introduction of a kissing zone for couples saying farewell.

The new zone is part of the revamp of the town’s gateway from the West Coast Mainline service from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The project has seen investment of more than £1 million on turning the dilapidated building on Wilson Patten Street into a sleek glass-fronted entrance.

And last Friday it was finally officially unveiled in a ceremony led by Helen Southworth, MP for Warrington South whose constituency the station is in.

Mrs Southworth said: “I am very pleased that we have secured the investment to make these major improvements to Bank Quay. Our main railway station is really important to the thousands of local people, and people from the wider area, who use the trains.”

As well as the new kissing zone, which dictates where passengers can enjoy passion, the new station boasts a new ticket office and concourse containing a newsagent along with new catering facilities.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of NWDA, said: “As a major business centre, it is important for Warrington to provide first-class transport facilities. I am delighted with the transformation at the station which will provide a positive first impression for commuters and for visitors coming into Warrington, and will encourage greater use of public transport.”

The development has been created by station owners Virgin Trains in partnership with Network Rail, North West Development Agency (NWDA), the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme, Warrington Borough Council and Caterleisure.

Diana Terris, chief executive of the council, said: "It is only fitting that a town of Warrington’s size and location has a truly modern gateway to encourage people to visit, work and invest in the town.

"This redevelopment together with those of the bus interchange and Golden Square shopping centre in recent times are transforming the look and feel of the town by bringing it well and truly into the 21st century."