'Simply not good enough’ - Stockport MP calls for major improvements at town's railway station
Stockport's MP has called for major improvements to the town's railway station, saying parts of it have fallen into a "dire" state which could become "hazardous" for passengers and staff.
Navendu Mishra said basic maintenance is not being managed at the Avanti West Coast-run station, which he said is one of the busiest in Greater Manchester with 3.8m entries and exits per year.
He also raised concerns about a lack of staff to man the ticket office and access gates, accusing the firm of 'putting private profits before public safety and accessibility'.
"Basic maintenance is falling behind at the station, with leaking roofs, worn out toilets, and poor drainage causing repeated flooding on platforms," he said.
"The station's pedestrian tunnel is dark, damp and neglected. One resident described it as being like an old air raid shelter."
The Labour MP made the comments during a debate in Parliament on Friday, where he claimed Avanti paid out shareholder dividends of £8.1m in 2024.
He also said that there is one member of staff on a part-time basis providing the Passenger Assist service, saying the situation is "simply not good enough".
Stockport station is a key part of the railway network, sitting on the West Coast Main Line which links Greater Manchester and London.
Avanti West Coast said safety is the top priority and that safety-critical posts are always covered, as well as safeguarding officers offering extra support during major events.
The company said that between April 2024 and March 2025 it met its commitment to Stockport's ticket office opening hours 94 per cent of the time, and that the gate lines were staffed 92pc of the scheduled operating hours.
It also said that during the same period it completed 90pc of booked Passenger Assists at Stockport station.
A spokesperson added: "We want everyone to feel confident to travel by rail, and we're working with Network Rail to make improvements to the station, so facilities, including the lifts, are more reliable and all our customers have a consistent experience."
The company said it is working with Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and Stockport Council on plans to redevelop Stockport station.
Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport council's transport lead, said the station needs "a full-scale redevelopment that includes improving accessibility."
A business case to transform Stockport station is being developed by council officers and stakeholders, with a consultation set to take place this summer.
"This isn't just about improving the experience for passengers – it's about connecting communities, attracting investment, and building on the town centre's transformation to unlock Stockport's full potential," Cllr Baynham said.
"We've been working to identify a preferred, accessible, option that will work for all our residents and we expect to be able to confirm that by the end of the year."
She called on the government to commit to helping the plans move forward.
This call was backed by Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport Lib Dems, who said the group has been "actively calling and working for improvements to our stations across Stockport, Cheadle and Hazel Grove for many years."
During the debate in Parliament on Friday, local transport minister Simon Lightwood was asked about spending for projects in Stockport and the north by Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart.
The minister said: "We obviously want to see growth in every corner of the country, and we are awaiting the spending review outcomes, as is everybody else.
"We are aware that our partners will have their own priorities for the future of railways in their areas, and we are open to engaging with them directly on their plans."
TfGM is planning to bring eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 train stations, into the Bee Network in three phases.
A total of 64 stations on the initial eight lines – including Stockport station – will be brought up to an 'exemplar Greater Manchester standard' – including Bee Network branding, new safety and accessibility features, upgraded toilet and waiting facilities, and improved passenger information.
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