SHADOW MINISTER FINDS WHITBY STATION WORTH TALKING ABOUT

Monday 29 Jun 2009

SHADOW MINISTER FINDS WHITBY STATION WORTH TALKING ABOUT

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Mr Robert Goodwill MP, Shadow Minister for Transport, was given a guided tour of Whitby station on Friday (26 June) after £900,000 worth of work to improve facilities for passengers was completed at the Grade II listed facility.

The work began in January and has been completed in close consultation with the council and National Railway Heritage Trust (which donated £100,000) in order to protect the station's listed status.

Mr Goodwill said: "This substantial investment from Network Rail represents a vote of confidence in the future of Whitby Station and the Esk Valley line and is also recognition of the increased passenger numbers brought to Whitby by the North Yorkshire Moors steam excursions."

The station is used by Northern Rail passengers and also has a direct service from the North York Moors Railway.

Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, said: "This magnificent station is an important gateway to Whitby but was in need of some tender loving care. This investment has restored the building and improved facilities for the many people who use it each year. We are very proud of the work which has been completed here."

Angela Thirkill, Development Manager, Esk Valley Railway Development Company added: "Following the refurbishment, this 162 year old architectural feature of Whitby’s heritage is now, once again, a station we can be proud of."

Notes to editors

Work included: • Canopies - these were repaired and repainted with the old glass removed and new glazing installed • Barriers and railing - old ones removed and new ones installed • Replacing the old timber and glazing/cladding panels from the central concourse, circulation area and north portico • Canopy lighting was replaced • Wall mounted lighting on platform 1 was replaced with column lighting. • Upgrade of the electrics • New lighting for the station building itself • Installed new slate roof to North West facing portico • Repairs to the York stone walls on Windsor Terrace and to the York stone flooring along the east façade of station building • Repairs and painting to drainage

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