A SCHEME to spruce up Northwich train station using school kids' artwork has had its grand unveiling.

Northwich Station Art brought together 25 primary schools from across the town to design 30 panels to be displayed at various sites around the site. 

The theme of the project is ‘a sense of place’, and all depict scenes from the town which have a special meaning for the children involved.

A grand unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, October 18, attended by Mid Cheshire MP, Andrew Cooper, Northwich town mayor, Cllr Cernik, and representatives from the many organisations who helped make the project such a success.

These include the dedicated volunteer group, Friends of Northwich Station, Northwich Town Council, CrossCountry, Northern, Network Rail, ISS, and Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (MCCRP), which coordinated the unveiling ceremony.

MCCRP was set up in 2003 to promote use of the Mid Cheshire Railway Line, which Northwich station serves, and to help develop and improve the facilities along the route.

Rudheath Primary's submission celebrates Roberts BakeryRudheath Primary's submission celebrates Roberts Bakery ​(Image: MCCRP)Sarah Muir, MCCRP community rail officer, said: “The launch went so well, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

“The quality of the children’s work is truly outstanding, and we had so much help turning it into a permanent display, including from Cllr Catriona Stewart, who designed the panels herself. 

“It’s all about improving the appearance of the station, making it more attractive for rail passengers. 

Friends of Northwich Station volunteers, including Cllr Catriona Stewart (right), who turned the children's art into display boardsFriends of Northwich Station volunteers, including Cllr Catriona Stewart (right), who turned the children's art into display boards ​(Image: MCCRP)“There’s also evidence which shows better kept stations have fewer incidents of antisocial behaviour than neglected ones.

“People feel more of a connection to them, so are more inclined to look after them. 

“It’s also a way of introducing youngsters to train travel, which after all, is perhaps the most sustainable form of transport there is.

“I was quite shocked to learn some of the kids didn’t even know Northwich has a train station.”

Tim X of ISS, with Northwich town mayor, Cllr Kate CernikTim Griffiths of ISS, who put up the boards, with Northwich town mayor, Cllr Kate Cernik ​(Image: MCCRP) Each of the 25 primary schools which submitted work got a board each, with space for a message welcoming travellers to Northwich.

Visual Arts Cheshire’s Phil Carswell, who co-ordinated this year’s Northwich Education Partnership’s primary schools' art awards, said: “Each year, the standard of work from schools in the partnership gets better and better.

“We’re delighted to see it making such a positive contribution our own station environment.”

MCCRP is always on the lookout for volunteers to help promote use of the line.

If you’re interested in the work they do, visit their website, or email Sarah Muir on: contact@midcheshirerail.org.uk.