Down at the very south end of Preston station lie platforms 3C & 4C, where the hourly trains for Colne & Ormskirk arrive and depart. Once an unloved part of the station, this has recently changed!
Preston Platforms 3C & 4C – photo © Mike Cliffe
New seating and branded notice boards have been installed between platform 3C and platform 3 and to help improve the ambience at these remote platforms, there’s now beautiful hanging baskets, customised by local flower shop Margaret Mason Florists.
Mike Cliffe, Railway Development Officer at Lancashire County Council, Director of Community Rail Lancashire and the project manager said “We are delighted to have partnered with Avanti West Coast and many people behind the scenes who have brought these upgrades to Platform3C & 4C. Not only do we now have seating and hanging baskets improving facilities and the ambiance at the station, but also an opportunity to showcase information and places to visit along the line in the new poster case on Platform 3C.”
Shirley Ross, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Preston, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with the local community to brighten the platforms and raise awareness of places that can easily be reached by rail from the city. The improved facilities and environment in this part of the station now offer a welcoming gateway to the West Coast Main Line, as well as local branch lines that connect into Preston. We hope it’ll encourage more people to take the train to explore Lancashire and beyond.”
Tracey, Admin/Wedding/Events Co-Ordinator on behalf of Margaret Mason & Hire Props UK added “We were delighted to be involved in the transformation of Platform 3C & 4C at Preston Railway Station. Always an iconic building in this great city, our hanging baskets give additional interest to the Station, and team work from all concerned brought it altogether. Thanks for asking us to be involved, from all at Margaret Mason Florist & Hire Props UK”
