Top of the Plops: TransPennine Express loos scoop national praise
TransPennine Express (TPE) is flushed with pride after inspectors hailed its station toilets among the country’s best.
Toilets at Stalybridge and Hull Paragon were singled out by inspectors from the Loo of the Year Awards 2025, with their reports praising standards that “were a delight to visit” and commending onsite teams for their “first‑class” approach to maintenance.
The awards recognise the very best “away-from-home” washrooms across the UK and Ireland.
In its first inspection since refurbishment, Stalybridge station’s main facilities were awarded the prestigious Platinum Plus grade, one of the highest accolades available.
Inspectors highlighted the station’s cleanliness despite heavy footfall, crediting the cleaning team for keeping the facilities “consistently immaculate” throughout the day.
The station’s Changing Places unit also drew particular praise, earning a Highly Commended rating alongside a Diamond grade for the facility itself - the highest level awarded in the specialist accessibility category.
Over on the east coast, Hull Paragon Interchange also impressed auditors, securing a Gold rating.
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director, said: “The results of the grading by Loo of the Year highlight our ongoing investment in customer experience across the network.
“I’d like to thank our teams at both stations who make a daily difference to thousands of travellers. With these latest recognitions, both stations now sit proudly among the nation’s top‑ranked loos and show that we’re above and beyond bog‑standard.”