Praise for Virgin Trains’ staff at award-winning stations

Staff at two Virgin Trains’ stations have been praised for outstanding customer service by judges in the Cheshire Best Kept Stations awards.

Announcing the awards for Crewe and Runcorn stations, John Hulme, organiser of the scheme, said: “The award for Crewe railway station reflects the accolades we have received from passengers using this busy mainline junction. The award reflects superior customer value. Sam Dixon and his Virgin Trains team should be congratulated on the positive and engaging way they look after the travelling public.

"The award for Runcorn railway station is for the staffed station that provides the rail traveller with the best customer experience. This easy access station has a pleasant and secure environment with staff that excel in face-to-face service. Keith Millard and his team run a first class station.”

Crewe station took the top slot for excellence in Customer Care. It has recently gained a First Class Lounge and more car parking spaces. Sam Dixon, Station Manager for Virgin Trains at Crewe, said: "This is a great award for this important gateway station, recognising the hard work and excellent customer service offered by all the team."

Runcorn, which has been completely refurbished with upgraded passenger facilities and an enlarged car park was named the best staffed station in Cheshire, fighting off stiff competition from other stations in the area.

Keith Millard, Station Manager for Virgin Trains at Runcorn, said: "This fantastic award recognises the dedication of the station team who really care for their customers, and the investment by Virgin Trains in high quality facilities.”

Notes to Editors

Virgin Trains directly manages 17 stations, of which five are in the area covered by the Cheshire Best Kept Station awards. The other three are Macclesfield, Stockport and Warrington Bank Quay.

Within 90 minutes of London by Virgin Trains, Crewe station is one of the busiest on the West Coast Main Line, served by several companies' trains on routes that connect Cheshire to the rest of Britain.

The opening of the Cheshire Lounge for First Class ticket-holders at Crewe last year marked a significant improvement at the station, where floral displays have been welcomed as adding a dash of colour.

Runcorn has been modernised to make it much more attractive and customer-friendly. As well as Virgin Trains on the Liverpool/London route it is served by frequent local and regional trains.