Famous clock ticks again !

CROWDS of people packed onto the platforms of Carnforth railway station to witness another milestone in its ambitious transformation, reports Victoria Clark.

At exactly 3pm last Friday the station's distinctive clock, which has been restored and repaired to its original working condition by a team of local craftsmen, sprang back to life for the first time in years as it started ticking once more.

The return of the time-piece forms part of the major overhaul of the station, which has already seen six retail units created, and with work continuing on developing the redundant platform buildings into a heritage centre and Brief Encounter themed refreshment room.

Paul Bunting, commercial manager of North West Trains, said Carnforth station was a beacon of excellence showing the rail industry what could be achieved.

"I used to come here and hide and be ashamed and embarrassed," he said, praising the enormous transformation that had happened over the last two years, and commending the work of local people who had made it happen.

A host of local dignitaries attended the ceremony including MP for Morecambe and Lonsdale Geraldine Smith, Chairman of Lancashire County Council Niki Penney, Mayor of Lancaster City Council Eileen Blamire and Mayor of Carnforth George Birkett, alongside Brief Encounter look-a-likes Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson.
(Photo by Rob Underdown)