MP Expresses Satisfaction with Post-Collapse Actions at Cheshire Railway Station

A Member of Parliament has expressed satisfaction that “lessons have been thoroughly learned” following the partial roof collapse at a Cheshire railway station three years prior. Andrew Cooper, the MP for Mid Cheshire, stated that a report issued by the Office of Road and Rail (ORR) identified insufficient vegetation control as the reason for the structural failure at Northwich Station. Mr. Cooper reported having held discussions with representatives from Network Rail, the ORR, and Northern, indicating his “pleasure” with the resolutions reached by all involved entities. Furthermore, Mr. Cooper mentioned that Network Rail committed to seeking a specialized contractor to expedite the necessary work at the station. According to the MP, the ORR opted against initiating any prosecutions concerning the collapse, which occurred in May 2021. He also noted that Network Rail’s inspections suggested a potential flaw in the station’s initial construction. “Network Rail explained the actions they have taken to improve and change their procedures since the gable end collapsed and I am satisfied lessons have been thoroughly learned,” he stated. He further quoted, “At the meeting, Network Rail advised that they are now looking at September 2025 as their ‘fallback’ date for the fit-out of the ticket office after I previously expressed unhappiness at the speed with which this was taking.” He concluded by quoting, “They are now intending to look at contracting someone who specialises in retail fitouts should their framework agreement enable this, which would allow them to significantly bring forward the start date.”