As a lifelong railway user my acquaintance with Liskeard Station dates back to pre war school-days. One admired the genius of Brunel featured in the viaduct engineering, and also the unique features of the Looe branch line. But passenger facilities at Liskeard were unknown, and I still recall long waits on a cold and windswept platform awaiting the night train to London.
In recent years economy drives have brought about amenity losses at many stations, with buildings being demolished without comparative replacement. For example, Saltash Station is now just a shadow of its former self.
But happily Liskeard has gone against this trend. There are better amenities now than ever in the past. There is a comfortable heated waiting room for passengers. Announcements are precise and clear. Sanitary facilities are a credit. When requested ticket office staff will ring for a taxi without asking for the cost of the call. But most welcome of all is the refreshment room. A friendly service provides good and varied food at most reasonable prices. The buffet is spotlessly clean with crockery being used instead of plastic. If there is any other station where one can be served quickly with a sandwich of fried egg and bacon for only £1.50 I have yet to see it.
Well done Liskeard! May your shining example long remain.
JOHN CORRELL
Co. Cork.