Canal restoration group adopts Earlestown station to restore its appearance

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society has adopted Earlestown station under Northern Railway's Community Station Adoption scheme and will deliver biodiversity, heritage and community activities at the site later this year.

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society has adopted Earlestown station as part of a community station scheme. The group restores areas around the Sankey Canal and plans to bring activity and maintenance to the station. Earlestown has both canal and railway history linked by nearby features such as the Sankey Valley 'Nine Arches' Viaduct. The station's place on the Liverpool & Manchester line and its unique layout are noted in planning for future community work. Key details: - The society announced it has adopted Earlestown station under Northern Railway's Community Station Adoption scheme. - The Sankey Canal flowed beneath the nearby Sankey Valley 'Nine Arches' Viaduct; Earlestown sits where canal and railway histories meet. - The station has five platforms in a triangular layout and was part of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway; it became a junction in 1831 when three company lines met. - The group has added the station to its Task Team calendar and plans to involve local people and community groups later this year. - Planned activities include biodiversity projects, community events, heritage displays, artwork, gardening and general site maintenance. Summary: The adoption is intended to reintroduce community-led upkeep and public-facing features at Earlestown station, reflecting local transport history. The group will begin activities later this year, and the station is also noted as a featured site in plans for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway 200th anniversary in 2030.