A CAMPAIGN has been launched to recognise the railway heritage of Bishop Auckland.

The Bishop Auckland Station Trust hopes to erect interpretation boards telling the history of the site and displaying photographs, together with two benches near the entrance to the station on Bob Hardisty Drive.

Michael O’Neill, chairman of the trust, said the group is already in talks with Durham County Council about the required planning permission and members are confident the project will go-ahead by the autumn.

“We want the interpretation boards and two benches to help explain the importance of the town’s railway heritage to people living in the town and visitors,” he said.

“We are talking to the county council to find out what we need to do and also where we can put them.”

The group, which has five members, has already started working on the history and what will be detailed on the boards. More people are being encouraged to get involved.

Some funding has been obtained but an application is also expected to be submitted to Bishop Auckland Town Council shortly to see if it can provide any further financial assistance.

Bishop Trains took over the running of the station a few years ago, having previously been in the hands of the trust.

In addition to this project, Mr O’Neill has met with Bishop Auckland County Councillor Joy Allen to discuss a campaign for an improved train service to and from the town.

He said: “We are going to try and push for a better train service. With all what is going on at Auckland Castle and that end of town we think there is demand for a later train.

“The campaign for this will probably take a couple of years but we do feel it would be worth it.”

Cllr Allen said: “It is about raising awareness. We have something there which is great for the town, but it could be so much better.

“We have a lot of groups doing work centred around the train station and it is about getting them to join forces. I think it is then we can lobby for a better service and get the support of local people and businesses.

“It is not going to happen overnight but if everyone works together we can petition for change and it can really make a difference.

“Everything seems to be coming together. We have a wonderful station with a cafe and a shop next to the ticket office and it is important everyone knows about it.”

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Bishop Auckland Station Trust should visit facebook.com/bast2009