Oxford Parkway nominated for World Cup of Stations

The competition, hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, celebrates stations with exceptional community activity, with this year's edition also set to highlight businesses based at stations.

Oxford Parkway has been recognised for its partnership with Yarnton Home & Garden, which has provided planting displays and a miniature train installation in the ticket hall.

Dorridge, the other Chiltern nominee, located just outside Birmingham, has been recognised for the support from The Friends of Dorridge, who have recently embarked on a refurbishment programme in the station ticket hall.

Dorridge Station (Image: Chiltern Railways) They have restored key heritage features including parquet flooring and benches from the 1930s.

The station's cafe, Espresso Station, is a "community hub" used by commuters and locals.

Zach Bailey, regional growth manager at Chiltern Railways, said: "I am delighted that Oxford Parkway and Dorridge are both nominated in this year’s World Cup of Stations.

"Both Yarnton Home & Garden and Espresso Station add significant value to the stations which help connect them to their respective areas.

"We are proud to have partnered with the Friends of Dorridge and Heart of England Community Rail Partnership on the ticket hall refresh scheme, which has been nominated for a National Railway Heritage Award."

Voting is taking place over a 24-hour period, on October 14 in the case of Oxford Parkway and October 15 for Dorridge, before the semi-final on October 17.