RAIL-USERS can expect a great blooming welcome at Stratford railway station.
It follows the launch of London Midland’s latest ‘Adopt a Station’ gardening project which will see platforms decorated with floral displays to create a more attractive welcome for rail passengers.
The gardening work, complementing new landscaping by London Midland, is being carried out by the newly-formed station adoption group, Friends of Stratford-upon-Avon Station (FOSS), supported by the Stratford station team.
Among its 11 members, FOSS includes four people assisted by Avon Support Limited, an organisation offering activities and care services to people with physical and learning disabilities.
After adding finishing touches to the new sustainable and wildlife-friendly planting on Platform 2, the green-fingered volunteers were presented with a special station adoption plaque in recognition of their endeavours.
Complementing the gardening project by FOSS for Platform 2, London Midland has also joined with Stratford in Bloom to put up hanging baskets along the front of the station.
In 2016, the station was awarded Gold in the ‘Public Places’ category of the annual In Bloom awards for its hanging baskets display. The project organisers have also donated plants and planters to the station to help with the gardening project.
Faye Lambert, head of community rail at London Midland, said: “The project at Stratford station is a perfect example of what can be achieved when communities work together to improve their environment for the benefit of everyone.
“We are especially pleased that the project can provide an opportunity for learning and mentoring too. The station is an asset that the community can be proud of and we are all delighted with what they have achieved.”
A Network Rail project to improve Stratford station, which is being jointly funded by the National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP) and Warwickshire County Council, is scheduled to start early next year.
Blooming great – Stratford mayor Victoria Alcock celebrates with members of the newly-launched Friends of Stratford-upon-Avon Station (FOSS). (s)
