Borth station adopters scoop UK community partnership award

The station adoption group at Borth railway station hascollected the Network Rail Environment Award for ‘CommunityPartnership’ in 2007.

Representing the group with Arriva Trains Wales at theprestigious awards in London’s Natural History Museum wereGeorge and Jo Romary, John Toler and Llinos Jones.

The Awards highlight the very best in environmental practiceacross the railway industry. Since 2000 Network Rail has recognisedorganisations and individuals that deliver the highest standards inreducing the impact of railway operations on the environment,thereby improving the areas on and around the network.

Presenting the award to George and John, Network Rail chairmanIan McAllister commended the station murals project, which has seenthe community help transform the station with colourful artworkdepicting local scenery and the creation of a station garden. The murals depict the four elements of earth, wind, fire and waterin and around Borth, including a fiery autumn sunset and the beachon a sunny spring day.

The efforts of the group in working with pupils from Ysgol Craigyr Wylfa were also recognised as a key activity in engaging withyoung people.

George Romary, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful toreceive a national award on behalf of everyone who has helped withthe project. We wanted to do something positive to put thestation back at the heart of the village and everybody has pulledtogether to help improve its appearance.”

He continued: “We now have a new found respect and pridein this important facility for the community. The enthusiasmof local people has been overwhelming and this award is wonderfulrecognition for all their hard work.”

Tony O’Donovan, station manager for the Cambrian Line,said: “We are really delighted that the adoption team’sefforts to help us care for the station have been recognised likethis.

“The community spirit and determination shown by the groupto ensure that the station provides a welcoming gateway to Borthfor passengers is something that we are extremely proud of and lookforward to developing further in the future.”

More than 150 of Arriva Trains Wales’ 190 unstaffedstations have been adopted by local volunteers.

Station adopters carry out regular spot checks relating to thetidiness and cleanliness of the station, in addition to thecleaning and maintenance undertaken by Arriva Trains Wales. Any issues that may need addressing are then passed on to the localstation manager. In return for their efforts, adoptersreceive travel vouchers for use on the national railnetwork.