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Train

'Adopt a Station' Scheme

What is it?


The railway station is an important community facility but as most are unstaffed it is all too easy for them to become untidy and look unattractive. Through community involvement working in partnership with the train companies, local authorities and others it's possible to reverse this. Volunteers take on a variety of tasks depending on how much time they have to spare. Successful station adoption schemes are already working along the Ribble Valley where Clitheroe, Whalley, Langho, and Ramsgreave & Wilpshire railway stations, have been adopted... however your interest to get involved here is still welcomed!

Clitheroe Interchange
Where can i adopt a station?

You can adopt a station anywhere in Lancashire.Along the East Lancashire or West Lancashire lines, community rail partnerships have been setup

Why do it? There are lots of different reasons for adopting your local station, perhaps;
  • You want to encourage local people to use train services more by having a more welcoming station,
  • You want to achieve success in the Best Kept Village or Best Kept Station competition,
  • You have an interest in gardening and horticulture,
  • You don't want an eyesore in the middle of your village!
What can be done? Station adoption groups do all sorts of things, it just depends on how much time they have. Some:
  • Plant flowers and have hanging baskets or pots of plants,
  • Paint fences, shelters etc,
  • Get the local schools and groups involved with community art projects,
  • Develop local information boards at the station,
  • Develop walking guides and posters displayed at the station.
Who does it? Lots of people may want to get involved in adopting their local station; it could be:
  • Rail users,
  • School and youth clubs,
  • Community groups,
  • Environmental or horticultural groups,
  • Local businesses and tourist attractions,
  • Parish Councils,
  • Neighbourhood watch schemes,
  • Enthusiastic individuals.
Money...Money...Money? If you want to adopt a station it is possible that there may be small funds available to help you get started. Want to know more? Contact us What next? If the idea of adopting your local station sounds appealing to you then here's an idea of what to do next:
  • Talk to similar minded people that you know and form a small group.
  • Contact Lancashire County Council or Northern Rail and have an informal meeting.
  • Many hands make light work so promote your scheme in your local village (your Community Rail Partnership or Lancashire County Council can help with the cost of this).
  • Have a meeting of everyone that wants to join in and decide what you want to do at your station.
Remember to keep your Community Rail Partnership officer or Lancashire County Council involved; they will be able to help you along the way by offering support and advice. Technical Information. You may already be wondering if you need permission to work on a railway platform. Any station adoption group will need permission to work at the station but your Community Rail Partnership officer will provide you with all the details and liaise with the train operator.
 
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