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There are fresh calls by local councillors for a ‘neglected’ station in Wirral to be refurbished, following concerns raised by passengers.
Grove Road Station, on the New Brighton Line, was used 485,000 times last year, according to passenger data from the Office of Rail and Road.
Faced with broken windows and peeling paint, passengers have contacted local councillors Lesley Rennie and Ian Lewis to ask for action.
Councillor Lesley Rennie said: “I’m afraid the station is looking neglected and poorly maintained. Rotten window frames, broken panes and peeling paint are not the impression to give to rail passengers, many of whom are paying rail fares that have never been higher.”
Following concerns raised by the councillors, managers from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are set to meet both councillors, at the station, later this week.
Councillor Ian Lewis said: “While we appreciate the intervention of the City Region, surely Merseyrail and Network Rail undertake inspections and agree maintenance works? The state of this station is a disgrace and reflects badly on both companies. It shouldn’t take requests from us for them to maintain their ‘assets’.”
A further issue is the dilapidated and unsafe fencing on Harrison Drive, at the ‘park and ride’ car park serving the station on Harrison Drive.
So far, Merseyrail, Network Rail and Wirral Council have refused to accept responsibility for it.
Councillor Lewis added: “Councillor Rennie and I have been raising this for three years. If a pedestrian injures themselves because the boundary fence is no longer safe and fit for purpose, I’m sure the insurance companies would quickly establish who was responsible.”
