MP: 'Dire' state of railway station must be improved

STOCKPORT’S MP has called for major improvements to the town’s railway station, saying parts of it have fallen into a “dire” state which could become “hazardous” for passengers and staff.

- BY DECLAN CAREY

Navendu Mishra said basic maintenance is not being managed at the Avanti West Coast-run station, which he said is one of the busiest in Greater Manchester with 3.8m entries and exits per year.

He also raised concerns about a lack of staff to man the ticket office and access gates, accusing the firm of ‘putting private profits before public safety and accessibility’

“Basic maintenance is falling behind at the station, with leaking roofs, worn out toilets, and poor drainage causing repeated flooding on platforms,” he said.

“The station’s pedestrian tunnel is dark, damp and neglected. One resident described it as being like an old air raid shelter.”

The Labour MP made the comments during a debate in Parliament on Friday, where he claimed Avanti paid out shareholder dividends of £8.1m in 2024.

He also said that there is one member of staff on a part-time basis providing the Passenger Assist service, saying the situation is “simply not good enough”.

Stockport station is a key part of the network, on the West Coast Main Line which links Greater Manchester and London.