NEWS about when the collapsed Northwich train station will be rebuilt has been delayed because a rail group is waiting to find out about a grant application.

Despite the devastating roof collapse 11 months ago, there has been no work carried out as yet to restore or improve the station.

There has been pressure from local councillors and Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury for extra funding from Government to ensure when the station is rebuilt it is also made accessible to all.

At the moment, a footbridge means anyone in a wheelchair, with mobility issues or with a pram or buggy is unable to cross platforms.

For some passengers, this means having to remain on the train and cross at a more suitable station further down the line before returning to Northwich on the opposite platform.

Northwich Guardian: Northwich train station is still to be rebuiltNorthwich train station is still to be rebuilt

Speaking at Northwich Town Council monthly meeting on Monday, April 4, Cllr Andrew Cooper provided an update on the current situation.

He said: "I attended a meeting of the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership.

"Chris Jackson, the regional director was there, and he has responsibility for a lot of areas, including stations.

"As you can imagine, they are producing plans on the rebuild of the station, but I challenged him on why they haven't been able to make any of those plans public.

"I told him this would not only enable people to see what they look like but also give them an idea on timescales too.

"The reason they haven't done that is because they are working with Cheshire West and Chester Council on submitting an access for all grant.

"They don't want to publish timescales for rebuilding the station or designs for it if they think they can get a quick decision on the access for all bid.

"He did accept the criticism that they could have at least came out and told people this is the reason why they haven't announced or disclosed any further information."