Old station's back on track

By MICHAEL HILL

THE first stage in an ambitious project to transform Carnforth's railway station back to how it looked during its glory days has officially opened.
Over £1 million has already been spent on the station in an effort to transform it from its once derelict state into a vision of the 1940s.
Railtrack spent £850,000 refurbishing the operational platforms for passenger, travelling north and south and a new lighting system has also been installed to ensure the station is bright and safe to use.
It was officially opened to the public last Thursday with MP Geraldine Smith performing the honours.
An exhibition by local artists is open to the public every day from loam and a photographic record of the station, past and present, is also on show.

The next phase of work, due to star in March. will include building a Brief Encounter themed refreshment room, heritage centre and a lecture theatre.
!t is likely to be finished by the end of 2003.
Peter Yates. chair of the station Trust company said the opening was a tribute to everyone who had put in so much time and hard work to the project.
"It (the opening) went exceptionally well and had the desired effect of thanking, everyone  involved." he said.
"Everyone had a wonderful time and it was tremendous fun. The next stage is to consolidate what we've already done, because we had to rush one or two things to open on Valentine's Day, and start the next phase in early March
"Things will then be in place to get the platforms back, which would relieve the traffic into Lancaster and up to the Lake District. "We've got the launching pad now to put Carnforth back on the map and bring investment into the town.
"That has always been the plan from day one."

Full steam ahead for Carnforth - The Visitor - 20th February 2002

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