Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Friends of Westhoughton Station

Westhoughton Station at outset - in need of tidying up About

A voluntary project that began in late 2012 and led by local resident and commuter Joanna Parncutt who was aware of a 'friends' group and project which had improved the look of and revitalised nearby Hindley Railway Station.

The idea was to bring together local residents and interested parties in an undertaking to improve the appearance and facilities at Westhoughton Station. Such improvements being: tidying up the area; clearing away rubbish; clearing and replanting borders and improving the general ambience of the area for people who use the station.

Work begins at Westhoughton Station with the Friends first work session - 2nd Dec 2012 Such a project would not only need willing volunteers to do the work, but also the co-operation of station owners Network Rail and train operator Northern Rail, as work would be being undertaken on private land with health and safety considerations.

Initially, commuters were targeted and the authorities approached for an initial meeting held on 21st November 2012 (Minutes) at The Communiversity - a well attended meeting that included a presentation by the Friends of Hindley Station, and showed a good level of support for the idea of improving one of our local stations. The first meeting not only provided impetus to form and constitute the group but also agreed a time for regular work to be done at the station - the first Sunday of each month.

First Endeavours

A further session at Westhoughton Station as the Friends clear and prepare a border - 3rd Feb 2013 Having attended a safety briefing with Northern Rail, and armed with bin bags, hi viz jackets and a borrowed purple bin down there for recycling cans and bottles, volunteers met up on a Sunday afternoon (2/12/13) for an initial assessment and clean-up. With permission pending from Network Rail to work on the banks, this was followed by another litter pick on Sunday 6/1/14 - litter grabbers borrowed from Bolton Council.

The second formal meeting of the group took place on Wednesday 9/1/14 (Minutes) at the Sports and Social Club (Reform Club) to discuss what Friends of Westhoughton Station want to achieve during 2014, how to promote themselves and further involve the community including local schools (invited to provide artwork to fill the blank white boards along the platform). A further clean-up and area preparation session took place on Sunday, 3rd February with the first plants planted.

Friends of Westhoughton Station plant their first plant - 3rd Feb 2013 Behind the scenes there have been meetings and contacts with people to help and facilitate the project. Issues such as licensing for access to station property, public liability insurance, funding and resources for administration, materials and equipment, as well as practicalities of doing the work are being addressed as the project takes shape. Additionally, the group has been in touch with local media to raise awareness for the project and cause.

 

Video

Video of initial work at the station produced by volunteer Ted Wisedale.


Work Schedule and Update

After a phenomenal start and good work done clearing out debris and preparing the borders, planting and adding features to the station, work began again for volunteers; a work pattern of first and third Sunday in the month, with summer Wednesdays - from 10am.

Friends of Westhoughton Station logo as designed by Sienna from St. Bartholomew's CE Primary School, Westhoughton. As the project developed the success and achievements of the group have become evident; one that has engaged the community and local businesses and received recognition in Westhoughton and beyond. A competition with local schools found a winning logo. In December 2014, the group was successful in getting some National Lottery funding, used to hire skips and buy tools for a 'big clean-up'

From getting a coat of paint on the woodwork, extra litter bins, the removal of a non-working phone, and agreement for an extra waiting shelter on the Manchester side, to removing large amounts of rubbish and debris, and planting numerous bulbs, shrubs and plants. A great difference has been made to the station. Special mention to local businesses - Darby's, Hardman and Cain, the Pottery Studio, Railway Motors, the Co-Op and Stateside Foods (Video - March 2015) for donating plants, artwork, ceramics and their time to transform the station. Residents and dedicated volunteers have been the driving force to this exceptional project. One of the challenges is working within the confines of sloping banks as opposed to flatbed areas and pathways.

Recognition!

The Friends of Westhoughton Station project has seen much media attention, however, in 2015 it was nominated and was a finalist at the ACoRP Station Awards (1/10/15), short-listed in the best station garden category. Attended by Chair Stephen Freeborn and Ted Wisedale, who presented photos and videos, the group missed out this year (Winners) (PDF).

Sunday, 6 December (10am), the Mayor of Westhoughton to present the Friends of Westhoughton with a 'Certificate of Achievement' for all of the work on improving the environment of the station.

Friends of Westhoughton Station welcomes and is grateful for the help of volunteers, and the support of local business in their endeavours to improve the station.

Electrification

Electrification - New Trains to serve Westhoughton Station by 2025Improvements in local infrastructure will see the Bolton to Wigan line electrified improving the service with new quieter more efficient trains and a greater capacity/frequency. This is a major project, part of a £78m Network Rail investment which will allow electric trains to operate between Wigan, Bolton and onward into Manchester; there are to be 450 new overhead line equipment structures installed, alterations to 17 bridges and improvements at two level crossings. With longer platforms at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations six-carriage trains can be introduced to help reduce overcrowding at peak times.

Work began in 2021 along the line resulting in significant disruption with a replacement bus service often in place - in early 2024 work began in earnest at Westhoughton station with the platform extension and installation of new structures. It is hoped electric trains will be running by 2025.

Community Rail Trails: Wigan - Hindley - Westhoughton - Lostock - Bolton. Community Rail Trail

In 2023 a new initiative introduced by South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership and supported by Station Friends groups along the way was launched. The Community Rail Trail is a 13-mile walk linking railway stations between Wigan and Bolton, split into manageable signposted sections of up to 2 hours duration mixing scenery and historic points of interest. There is a fold-out leaflet with maps and local information as well as online information. Locally it takes in Borsdane Wood, Hart Common and Westhoughton Station, and then up to Chew Moor and Lostock.

Photo selection from 2013

Westhoughton Station - clean-up and planting work 2013 - Friends of Westhoughton Station Westhoughton Station - clean-up and planting work 2013 - Friends of Westhoughton Station
Westhoughton Station - clean-up and planting work 2013 - Friends of Westhoughton Station Westhoughton Station - new features, bird box added - Friends of Westhoughton Station

Getting in Touch

Friends of Westhoughton Station meet regularly and carry out work on site on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Main contact: Stephen Freeborn (Chair).

For further information call 07970 582472 or email: Friends of Westhoughton Station.

See their Friends of Westhoughton Station on FacebookFacebook page for the latest news, pictures and video links showing the progress of the project

Back to top

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.
Westhoughton Community Network @wcn_ on Twitter Westhoughton Community Network Facebook Page | westhoughton.net