Adopt a station rolls into mid Wales

Media opportunity – Launchevent for 'Adopt a station'

11am, 27 April 2004, Tywyn RailwayStation

Arriva Trains Wales continues the drive toward communitypartnership with the Mid Wales launch of 'Adopt a station'.

The five-station road show will be in Tywyn to unveil theinitiative, which aims to actively involve communities in workingwith Arriva to improve their local train station.

Ian Bullock, customer services director for Arriva TrainsWales/Trenau Arriva Cymru, said:

We've had a very positive reaction to this initiative,from the Assembly Members, Rail Passengers Committee (RPC) andlocal councils, to individual customers and residents. We believethis is just the beginning of positive and proactive workingrelationships with local communities.

It's all about encouraging community involvement, andwe're working regionally across Wales with British Transport Police(BTP), the RPC, and other groups to gain support for thisinitiative. Schools are also taking an interest because they cansee the benefits to their curriculum. We can visit the school, andthey of course can visit the stations, ride the trains and get afeel for the benefits of public transport, the need to be safetyconscious, and the adverse effects of anti-social behaviour. We arekeen to promote the involvement of even more schools, clubs andbusinesses.

He continued:

This is a good time for our launch, particularly as theAssociation of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), with thesupport of the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), has placed anemphasis on co-operation at a regional level.

People who adopt a local station are asked to carry out regularspot checks, in addition to those already done by Arriva, relatingto the tidiness and cleanliness of the station. They then reportany issues that may need addressing so they can be dealt with morequickly. In return, adopters are offered travel vouchers for use onArriva Trains Wales' network.

Irene Delemore, inspector with the British Transport Policereports a significant drop in vandalism at stations where theinitiative is already underway. She explained:

When the neighbourhood is involved, people don't wantto see others littering and vandalising; they're local and theyknow the culprits and are much quicker to report suspiciousactivity.

If anti-social behaviour is reported, then it assistsus in deploying our resources effectively so the station doesn'tbecome a hot spot for vandalism and trespassing.

Martyn Brennan, area manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said:

Our road show events are open to everyone. We want toencourage people to meet us and find out how easy it is to adopt astation and play an active role in their localrailway.

We would like people to know that by adopting, they'reacting as an extra set of eyes and ears, and it really makes adifference. They are there, on the spot, and can identify periodsof time when problems may occur. This helps us and the police touse our resources more effectively.

Julian Viggers, station manager for Arriva Trains Wales,said:

My adopters are very interested in making the stationsmore beautiful. Dolau has won numerous awards, and is a must-seeattraction on our Heart of Wales line.

Gowerton, adopted only two weeks ago, has alreadyordered flowers and hanging baskets, which the local council willmaintain. As two-time winners of Swansea in Bloom, I think theyhave their eye on the Best Kept Station Award.

The railway station is located on Station Road in Tywyn,Gwynedd. Parking is available. The event begins at 11am. Members ofthe media are invited to attend. Photo and interview opportunitiesare available. Details of additional road show stations will bemade available closer to the dates.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a station' initiative issupported by the BTP, RPC and ACoRP.
2. Tywyn Station is located on the scenic Cambrian Railway Line.More information is located on our website,www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk, under Out andAbout.
3. Mr Don Southland is the adopter. He is a local resident as wellas an active member of the Talyllyn Railway, a local visitorattraction. More information is available on their websitewww.talyllyn.co.uk.
4. The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a Station' initiative web pageis available on www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk; click on thebanner 'Are You Ready to Adopt'. It will detail stations availablefor adoption, those already adopted and how to participate.

5. Road show dates and stations are:

   5 April – Gowerton Railway Station, near Swansea

   20 April – Llanfairfechan Railway Station, near Bangor

   27 April – Tywyn Railway Station, near Barmouth

   4 May – Barry Island Railway Station

   10 May – Llandeilo Railway Station

6. A spokesperson is available for interviews through priorarrangement with the press office.