Carnforth's action station Carnforth station has received another boost to secure its future in the form of a £660,500 grant from the Government. The money is being provided to create a closely integrated rural transport network in Carnforth with the introduction of a central interchange at the station. The interchange will co-ordinate the bus services and provide travel information. As part of the scheme a fleet of buses will be available on demand, similar to the Dial-A-Bus scheme, to serve the surrounding rural villages. This will ensure that residents of the smaller villages surrounding the town will have the option of public transport opened up to them. The grant is just part of the multi-million pound restoration work at the station to return it to how it was when Brief Encounter was filmed there in the 1940s. Peter Yates, chair of the station's trust company, said the announcement of the grant was 'excellent news' and was a major boost to their final goal, the reinstallation of the West Coast platforms. "Our final goal has always been for the platforms to be reinstated," he explained. 'And the allocation of this money can only help us in that aim. Cash boost 'We've always said that Carnforth is a 'crossroads' from where you can travel east, west, north or south. "We feel that we can get people out of their cars and off the motorway and help alleviate the traffic problems they are having in the Lake District. 'Although we still have to look at the implications of the grant it should certainly boost our chances of getting the platforms back. "I'm also very pleased for the outlying villages where some people struggle to get in and out If there are no buses." The restoration work on the station by Railtrack is due to start any time soon and the trust company has sent out tenders to six local companies for their part of the work. The contractor who has won the contract is likely to be announced on March 18 at a special Brief Encounter night at the Dukes in Lancaster. The trust company has been granted the rights to the film for one night and are hoping people will dress in costumes of the period. There will be a short talk on the trust company's plans for the station and a few surprises thrown in as well. "It should be a really good night and we're expecting a full house." Peter added. "We're especially trying to encourage younger people to show them there's more about the cinema than just Hannibal Lecter." Carnforth's action station The Visitor 21 st February 2001
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