Update on the traffic lights for Goostrey Station Bridge

A message from The FOGS Committee on the traffic lights which have been proposed on Goostrey Station Bridge…

The matter was raised at a recent Goostrey Parish Council Meeting as the design for the improvements to the bridge were done in 2018 and the works were scheduled to be completed in March 2019 but as you will be aware no progress has yet been made to date.

Goostrey Parish Council have asked Cheshire East Council (CEC) for an update meeting to discuss their plans for the Station Bridge and timescales for work to be carried out. A meeting is due to take place later in January however a date and agenda for the meeting has not yet been confirmed by CEC. The Vice Chair of Friends of Goostrey Station Dave Roberts will be present at the forthcoming meeting and will make representation regarding the current hazards that the bridge poses for rail passengers when walking to and from the Crewe Platform.

In order to try and escalate this matter FOGS have asked Fiona Bruce MP to write independently to CEC supporting that the works be progressed. Attached to this email is Fiona Bruce MP confirmation to Dave Roberts that she has sent said letter asking for an update. We will email again following the meeting and advising FOGS members of the outcome.

Friends of Goostrey Station Celebrated in Parliament!

This month there was another surprise for Friends of Goostrey Station!  Their work has been celebrated in parliament! Vice Chair of FoGS Mike Jarvis received a letter of congratulation from our MP Fiona Bruce which reads:

I am writing to let you and all your fellow volunteers with Friends of Goostrey Station know that I have tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) commending work in Parliament.   EDMs are a way for MPs to raise awareness and commend local organisations and volunteers publicly in Parliament for the work they do.  This is one of the first times in around 9 years as an MP that I have use an EDM in this way.  I am, and continue to be, impressed by the dedicated work you do.  Your organisation is an invaluable asset to Goostrey.

Goostrey Station and staff when it opened in 1891 with a building on both platforms

Members of FoGS celebrating a fourth success in the Cheshire Best Kept Station competition

The restored Victorian, modular, wooden station building at Goostrey

This Early Day Motion was tabled on Thursday 30th October 2019:

That this house commends the effective restoration work of Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) in transforming Goostrey Station including engaging the support of the Railway Heritage Trust and the securing of significant funds to facilitate the restoration of the historic station building, one of the last remaining Victorian, wooden, modular buildings complete with canopy in the country;  congratulates the attainment by FoGS of a number of awards including from the National Association of Community Rail Partnerships and four Cheshire Best Kept Station awards;  and commends the involvement of enthusiastic and dedicated local volunteers, Goostrey Parish Council, Goostrey Primary School, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, Guides and young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Chair of FoGS Craig Sidebotham commented ‘It’s a huge surprise to receive this recognition.  Thanks to everyone for their support.’  But Mike Jarvis added that ‘if we are to build on our success, we need more people to come forward and help. Many of the current team are approaching, or over, 80 years of age.’  To ensure that passengers continue to enjoy using Goostrey station, our working parties continue on the second Sunday of each month starting at 10am. New volunteers are always welcome.  For more information, please contact Mike Jarvis on 01477 533981 or look at the FOGS website.