Local voluntary group, the Friends of Walkden Station, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

Friends of Walkden Station was founded in 2007 by local volunteers to campaign for better services and facilities at Walkden Station and to promote awareness of the station as an important asset to the people of Walkden and Worsley.

Over the years the volunteers have increased the profile of the station, kept the station tidy with regular litter collections, and improved the station by planting new flower beds. They have also successfully campaigned for service improvements and better facilities at the station such as a Sunday train service, CCTV cameras, longer and higher platform surfaces and improved connections at Manchester Victoria. The group continues to campaign for disabled access for the station.

Barbara said:

“I am delighted that the Friends of Walkden Station have been given the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This award recognises their excellent work over many years improving Walkden station and campaigning for better rail services locally.”

“We are fortunate to have people prepared to give their time as volunteers, as the Friends of Walkden Station do. I hope the group continues to flourish and I am pleased to support the excellent work they do.”