'Green' station back on track; pounds 1.8m revamp complete.

Byline: ALAN WESTON

ORMSKIRK'S new-look "ecofriendly" station will be officially opened today after a pounds 1.8m r efurbishment.

The Grade II listed building has been restored using 21st-century eco-friendly design techniques, while retaining the 19th-century built architecture.

It gets its green credentials by using a system that harvests rainwater, as well as various energy-saving measures.

Along with its "green" features, the station has a combined booking hall and waiting room, with new seating, signs and passenger information systems.

The canopy over the platform has been completely refurbished and there is a brand new canopy over the station entrance.

There are improved cycle parking facilities, while security has been upgraded with an enhanced CCTV system that covers the entire station.

The refurbishment, the first to be completed with funding from the Department for Transport's National Stations Improvement Programme, was project-managed by Merseyrail on behalf of station owners Network Rail.

Cllr Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: "Ormskirk station is a key station for us because it is an important origin destination for the whole Merseyrail network.

"This investment is one for the future and one that puts the station firmly on the map."

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The new interior The entrance to Ormskirk station has a brand new canopy as part of the restoration