PLACES to visit and stay in Cheshire East are to be promoted at a new visitor information point at Crewe Railway Station.

The facility is the result of a partnership between Virgin Trains, Cheshire East Council and Marketing Cheshire.

It was opened by Crewe MP Edward Timpson as part of English Tourism Week, the national celebration of the visitor economy and the value it brings to the nation.

“The Visitor Information Point is a useful addition to Crewe Station for visitors to my constituency, and I hope it serves to boost tourism in south Cheshire,” said Mr Timpson.

“The station will shortly be opening a new entrance and passenger lounge, as well as real-time bus information screens as part of its integrated transport plans.

“I have campaigned for station improvements constantly since my first election, and am pleased that we are getting somewhere with projects that passengers can actually see and use.”

Cheshire East Council leader Cllr Michael Jones described the information point as a positive development at a “key gateway” to Cheshire East.

“It will help to showcase the strong portfolio of attractions, countryside and hotels on offer and further strengthen the visitor economy,” he said.

The visitor economy of Cheshire East was worth £737 million and employed more than 10,000 people, he added, and the area attracted more than 13 million visitors a year.

“Crewe Station is the gateway to Cheshire, and welcomes almost 2.5 million passengers a year, so it is important that we can give them as much information as we can about the area, at every opportunity,” he said.

Crewe Station manager Sheila Breeze said that railway station was an integral and iconic part of the Virgin Trains network.

“The information point is just one of several exciting plans which we have in place to improve the customer experience of those using the station or just passing through, and of course the wider community, who we continue to work closely with to promote the many benefits the local area has to offer,” she added.

The information point is situated next to the main ticket office.