Plans to make improvements to Earlestown railway station approved

Proposals seeking listed building consent for the additions to Earlestown railway station were sent to council planners in late 2023.

The plans include for wayfinding signage around the station to be upgraded; the relocation of the bike rack and waste bin store; the installation of a disabled toilet pod and for handrails to staircases to be changed where required for compliance to double handrailing.

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Also, under the plans handrails are to be painted and stair nosings will be deep cleaned and painted as necessary. There will be a new drop-off point covered shelter and new entrance barrier mats.

Plans also sought to replace platform and waiting room seating and for reconfigurations to existing waiting shelters and replacement of seating.

The waiting room on platform two at Earlestown station is the oldest station building in the world still in active use (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

A planning officer's report said the braille map "will be on a 30mm depth frame, 600mm in length and will be 1100mm in height". It will have two legs with a base plate and constructed from steel and painted in zinc yellow. It will be located adjacent to the steps of the walkway over the train tracks.

Meanwhile, the drop-off shelter will have an overall height of 2499mm, depth of 2023mm and width of around 4100mm. Its materials include a clear sheet roof and metal legs. The shelter will be in the car parking area.

Earlestown railway station (Image: St Helens Star)

Recommending approval of the plans, council officer Alex Ball said: "The locations of the facilities are acceptable and do not have a substantial visual impact on the setting or appreciation of the Grade II listed station building."

Listed building consent was granted for the application.