LORD Adonis, the Secretary of State for Transport, met with MP Edward Timpson at Crewe railway station on Friday to discuss the future of the aging terminal.

The pair started by recognising the problems the station faces, focussing on a lack of funding for major works involving wholesale redevelopment of the site or a move to another site.

The Crewe and Nantwich MP talked of Cheshire East Council's plans for Crewe, and where the station might fit into that.

Lord Adonis was keen to hear more after the initial phase of consultation by the council had taken place.

Both politicians recognised the potential of the site to generate investment and a commercial dividend for Crewe and its surrounding areas.

They agreed to meet again once it was clearer where the station might fit into future regeneration plans for Crewe.

Mr Timpson said: "The station is a community and commercial facility, and Lord Adonis and I, despite our different political backgrounds, want it to succeed.

"I am glad he recognises, as I do, the bigger picture the station has to fit into regarding regeneration in Crewe.

"However, in the meantime I remain in close touch with Network Rail and Virgin Trains about shorter term works to improve the station environment."

Also discussed were the National Railway Skills Academy, which Mr Timpson and Pete Waterman are keen to see based in Crewe, and Mr TImpson's wish to see the electrification of the Crewe to Chester line go ahead as soon as possible.