Train operator CrossCountry and North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership have worked together to deliver a better entrance to Blythe Bridge railway station on the Crewe to Derby line.
Helped by CrossCountry’s community funds, two raised planting beds by the road at the station entrance were successfully repaired and restored to their former glory and reflective bollards were installed to protect them from possible damage by vehicles using the car park.
These improvements were just the start of what is planned for the station. Station volunteers have been working hard to refurbish an adjacent flowerbed to create a new rose garden in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year. And a fence at the entrance to the car park is being given a lick of paint with a new community poster case being installed. There are plans to arrange for a "Welcome to Blythe Bridge Station" mural to be painted on the wall opposite the raised beds.
The project was jointly funded by both CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway, who both contributed equal amounts to carry out the work.
Claire Sandys, North Staffs CRP Community Rail Officer said, “The station volunteers are very happy to see the improvements to the station environment. It complements their recent achievements and makes it feel less neglected and more welcoming for customers coming to catch the train."