Thousands of train journeys take place across the UK daily, and while commuters often grow frustrated with crowded carriages and delays, many have a favourite station.
However, did you know that some UK train stations remain open yet do not serve any trains?
According to RailwayCodes, which provides detailed information about British railway operations and infrastructure, there are currently ten stations in the UK that are officially “open” but no longer served by trains.
Since April 1 1994, when the first major changes in Britain’s railway privatisation were introduced, these stations had their passenger services withdrawn for reasons unrelated to planned engineering works, yet they remain listed as “open.”
The stations affected include: Altnabreac, Ashford International, Barlaston, IBM, Manchester United Football Ground, Quainton Road, Redcar British Steel, Stanlow & Thornton, Teesside Airport, and Wedgwood.
Among these, Barlaston, located in Staffordshire, holds the record of being the longest “open” station without active train services, alongside Wedgwood, since May 2004.
Barlaston railway station was first opened in 1848 by the North Staffordshire Railway and sits on the West Coast Main Line between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
It, along with Wedgwood and Norton Bridge, closed temporarily for line improvements on the Stafford to Stoke route in 2003.
Despite the completion of the upgrades, these stations never reopened.
Norton Bridge was officially closed in December 2017, while Barlaston and Wedgwood remain listed as temporarily closed. While there are still signs and notice boards acknowledging Barlaston’s existence, the platforms are inaccessible due to padlocked gates.
Villagers rely solely on bus-replacement services and as a result, there have been ongoing campaigns and various proposals to reopen the station for passenger services.
Local campaigns and discussions have occurred over the years, but as of now, no concrete plans have been implemented to bring regular services back to Barlaston.
