Press releases

Gobowen Railway Station won a prestigious award last night at the National Rail Awards 2004 in London. The station in Shropshire was named 'Best Small Station of the Year', beating off stiff competition from six other finalists from across the UK to win first prize in their category.

The awards, which were held last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, are the railway industry's biggest and most comprehensive recognition scheme and celebrate excellence and achievement at all levels and in all sectors of the industry.

Gobowen Station is run by a rail-appointed agency, Shropshire Rail Agency, in partnership with Arriva Trains Wales. Proprietor David Lloyd said:

I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award. We work extremely hard to provide the right kind of service for rail customers in the area and it has clearly paid off.

The award was presented by BBC reporter John Simpson. In making their decision, the judges looked at various levels of criteria, including staff helpfulness, cleanliness, facilities, security and car parking.

James Widdowson, retail manager (North) for Arriva Trains Wales, said:

This is a superb example of the rail industry working in partnership with the private sector to provide the services and facilities our customers expect and deserve. We are delighted with this award.

ENDS