Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Friends of Daisy Hill Station

About the Group

Daisy Hill Station today viewed from road bridge Our aim is to enhance the appearance, improve the environment, develop facilities at the station, so helping to deliver a better travelling experience for local commuters. Networking with other Friends of Stations groups we hope to work to develop our railway stations to make them more pleasant and community-focused.

Work began in November 2013 with fortnightly initially with Saturday volunteering sessions - these now take place once a month on a Sunday afternoon. A social meet-up at the John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR) was started initially on a Tuesday mornings, organisers and volunteers now meet there monthly on a Thursday evening incorporating the Westhoughton Gardening and Allotment Group (WAGS) established in 2022.

In February 2018 the group was awarded a Westhoughton Environmental Award by the Town Council for their hard work and dedication both keeping the station tidy and in adding environmental touches such as planters, benches and bird boxes. Write-up (Bolton News).

Below is the Friends of Daisy Hill Station work and meeting schedule dates and times. Everyone is welcome to participate in volunteering any time available in helping to transform one of our local railway stations. Awaiting confirmation of 2024 schedule.

Meeting Days - Third Thursday
Thursdays 7pm to 9pm
John Holt Centre
18th January
15th February
21st March
18th April
16th May
20th June
18th July
15th August
19th September
17th October
21st November
19th December
These are Westhoughton Gardening & Allotment Society (WGAS) meetings
Volunteering Days - Last Sunday of Month
Sundays 1pm to 3pm*
Daisy Hill Station
28th January
25th February
31st March
28th April
26th May
30th June
28th July
25th August
29th September
27th October
24th November
15th December
*Come for as long as you can, when you can

About Daisy Hill Station

The station is located 14 miles (23km) west of Manchester Victoria and operated by Northern Rail. Onward trains to Kirkby and Southport via Wigan Wallgate. Annual rail passenger usage was 106,257 in 2005/05, rising to 241,480 in 2010/11. 2013 marks the station's 125th year.

Steam train at Daisy Hill Station in 1952The station has seen many changes over the years; in years gone by there were additional rails either side for express trains. There was once in the past a cast iron roof, similar to that seen at Atherton Station, covering a good portion of the platform.

In 2008, in light of increased station use, a new car park was created by the Council with 77 places to the left of the station (formerly a 5-a-side pitch), adding needed capacity to the existing car park across the road from the station. Electronic displays were also added to the platforms improving passenger information.

As part of railway investment by Network Rail, Daisy Hill Station had its usable platform extended in 2019 to accommodate longer trains. Funding has been allocated for a lift at the station. It is expected that further amenity improvements will be part of the investment package.

Daisy Hill Station of old The Daisy Hill area of Westhoughton in 1965, mostly post-war development

Accessibility Improvements 2024

Daisy Hill Station Accessibility Improvements 2024 (Ticket Office and New Lift). Good News! In October confirmation was received that as part of the Department for Transport's (DfT) 'Access For All Programme' the contract for the detailed design and build phase had been formalised for work at Daisy Hill station. A Planning Application (17308/23) has been submitted to Bolton Council and approved. The £4m works programme will see a new passenger lift built on the side of the building accessed from the entrance hall and the Wigan platform thus allowing stair-free access to the platforms; in addition, there will be a new disabled toilet, platform enhancements, as well as improvements to the station's accessible car parking facilities.

Daisy Hill Station Accessibility Improvements 2024 (New Lift from platforms).The programme to improve station accessibility and ease of use for passengers, which began way back in 2006, has been extended in the years since. There are over 2,500 railway stations in the UK. Daisy Hill was confirmed as a project in the 2019 budget round.

The project will be overseen by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) [Bee Network] and Network Rail and the work undertaken by Story Contracting. To start from March 2024 and scheduled to be completed by December 2024. The Ticket Office will be closed whilst being refurbished - purchase tickets online >>> Northern.

A drop-in information session took place at the John Holt Community Centre, Wednesday 21st February 2024 - Contractor Handout - Access For All (PDF download).

Project Timescale 2024

  • Site Set-up: March 2024
  • Enabling works: April
  • Ticket Office Refurb: May - July
  • Lift Works: May - Oct
  • Car Park Works: Oct - Nov
  • Scheme Completion: December 2024

Getting in Touch

Main contact: Jack Speight (Chair).

For further information call 07977 262022 or email: Friends of Daisy Hill Station.

Page last updated: 22/2/24.

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Participating Groups

Local Amenities

Photos & Videos

Music

Useful Links

Community Events

  • Daisy Hill Station Improvements
    March to December 2024
    As part of 'Access for All' improvements station will see changes to ticket hall and installation of a lift and toilet, as well as car park changes. £4m project. Some disruption but services continue. Details at Friends of Daisy Hill Station page -
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After a busy 2023 including the Wingates Band Story exhibition celebrating the brass bands 150th anniversary (Q323), schedule resumes with speakers and special events for this popular heritage group. Next mtg 21/3 st March - Speaker Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Cricket (Part 2)
  • Rotary Christmas Float 2023
    During December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and will at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. As well as Santa and his Rotary Elves bringing Christmas cheer to young and old, it is an important fundraiser; this year £6,249 was raised to be shared out with local community organisations. £5,640 raised and shared in 2022 - Presentation evening 20/4/23; 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • Westhoughton Library
    Library now open for books, general reading and computer access. With current refurbishment complete, community activities on both ground and upper floor have resumed. Info | Community Plans.
  • Robert Shaw / Book of Quint
    Special event with Ryan Dacko, author of 'The Book of Quint' took place at Wetherspoon's 1st July, celebrating Westhoughton-born Robert Shaw and introducing the backstory of the shark hunter from Jaws. It was a great success with people coming far and wide, leading to Amberley publishing deal.
  • WOW! Women of Westhoughton
    Thursdays from 7:00pm
    John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR)
    Est. 2013, women's group for shared interests, talks, outings & social networking. New meeting venue. Updated programme.
  • Daisy Hill FC Fixtures (Home)
    League Division 1 North
    New Sirs (BL5 2EB)
    Cutters season in full flow. New management, new signings and clubhouse improvements. Support your local team. KO Sat 3pm or Mon 7:45pm. £5 adults / £3 concession / £2 U18s / U12s free w/ adult.
  • Lockdown information (Covid-19)
    For 16 months life and community was disrupted by measures to deal with the pandemic. It has been a long and impactful period, thankfully things are opening up again there is a return to normal. Watch for updates as community re-engages here and on
    Westhoughton.net Facebook Page.
  • Town Centre Masterplan
    Proposals for investment in Town Centre (Market Street focus) were consulted upon in 2019-20 with a Steering Group meeting to discuss plans for £4m investment and significant changes to Market Street, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall.
  • Hope Community Centre
    The Central Drive church and community space is currently closed pending refurbishment discussions with Bolton Council. Hope Church services take place in the Hub.
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