Three railway stations across Norfolk and Suffolk nominated as UK's 'best-loved'
Lowestoft, Beccles and Thetford are among destinations nominated in a national competition
Last updated 22nd May 2023
Three railway stations across Norfolk and Suffolk have been nominated among the best in the country - and will compete to be named the 'UK's Best-Loved Station.'.
They are among 48 stations across the UK nominated in the 'World Cup of Stations 2023' - an annual competition run by the Rail Delivery Group, in collaboration with the Community Rail Network.
The winner will be decided this week, during Community Rail Week.
Beccles, Lowestoft and Thetford are the three local stations to get the nod.
Beccles has been recognised for its community cafe and meeting space in the old station building.
Thetford has been commended for its efforts to help wildlife, through a series of station gardens and bat and swift boxes.
A community hub has been set up inside the original station building at Lowestoft, with the space being used to host exhibitions and other events.
Southminster is Essex is also nominated in the competition.
Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said, “I’m delighted that four of our stations have been put forward as some of the UK’s best."
"We are committed to improvements at stations to make them attractive and welcoming for passengers.
"We are therefore grateful for the support of our community rail partnerships, volunteers and partners for helping us to put rail at the heart of the community, through mutually beneficial projects which turn our stations into thriving community hubs.”
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: "Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities and this year during Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales. "
“All of the stations are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they’re doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.”