Rail passengers get new First Class facility at Crewe

10 July 2009

Rail passengers holding First Class tickets can now relax in a spacious dedicated lounge at Crewe station.

The unveiling today, (Friday 10 July) by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson of the new lounge facility for First Class passengers has boosted Crewe railway station’s role and reputation as a key gateway to Cheshire and the Northwest.

The Cheshire Lounge project is the result of a unique partnership between Virgin Trains, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA), local tourism board Visit Chester & Cheshire and Cheshire East Council.

The Crewe facility opened this week and offers complimentary refreshments and newspapers, and will be fully Wi-Fi enabled. Located on the station over bridge at the top of the steps to Platform 5, it is accessible to all First Class passengers traveling from, to, or through the station.

The lounge, which will be maintained and operated by Virgin Trains, will enhance the Cheshire welcome and provide a key visitor information point designed to promote Cheshire and Warrington’s business tourism offer, as well as the sub region’s extensive choice of visitor attractions, events and facilities.

“The Cheshire Lounge will be a real asset for Cheshire and Warrington, and the region as a whole,” said CWEA Chief Executive, Martin Lee.

“Crewe is an increasingly busy station at the hub of the national network, used by almost 2.9 million passengers a year. It’s around an hour-and-a-half from London and is served by frequent trains from all points of the compass. The Cheshire Lounge is a welcome enhancement of the station’s facilities,” said Sam Dixon, Station Manager for Virgin Trains at Crewe.

The lounge also represents a first class result for a group of South Cheshire College students whose work is to be displayed in the lounge following a photographic competition organised by CWEA and Virgin Trains.

The winning entries from James Richards of Nantwich and Ashley Sanderson, Madeley in Crewe were selected by judges representing all the Cheshire Business Lounge partners, and reflect Cheshire people at work and at play.

The successful students were rewarded with a taste of luxury, courtesy of Virgin Trains in the appropriate surroundings of a First Class carriage.

“The students’ winning entries will be featured amongst a wide selection of iconic images of Chester-Cheshire, underlining why the area has become such a ‘must see’ destination for an increasing number of visitors,” added Chris Brown of Visit Chester & Cheshire.

Ends

For further information contact:
Tina Johnston, External Relations Manager
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
Tel: 01606 734187; Email: Tina.Johnston@cwea.org.uk

or

Notes to Editors:

Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA)
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance is funded predominantly by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). CWEA brings together leaders and influencers from both the public and private sector to work in partnership on a wide range of economic development issues in the sub region to ensure a dynamic, high quality environment for both business and residents. Visit http://www.cwea.org.uk/.

Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)The NWDA leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment• Matching skills provision to employer needs• Creating the conditions for economic growth• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
For further information visit: http://www.nwda.co.uk/, http://www.englandsnorthwest.com/

Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains is the brand name of Virgin Rail Group and has operated the West Coast passenger train franchise since 1997; the current franchise runs to March 2012. Virgin Rail Group is owned 51 percent by Virgin Group and 49 percent by Stagecoach. Virgin Trains has been listed as the Best Train Operator in a survey by the Institute of Customer Service; voted Best Rail Company by Travel Weekly magazine; Best UK Domestic Train Service by Business Traveler magazine and favorite train operator by readers of the London Evening Standard. For further information please contact Virgin Trains Press Desk on 0845 000 3333 or visit http://www.virgintrainsmediaroom.com/