Future is rosy for Llangennech railway station

A rural railway station on the picturesque Heart of Wales Linenear Llanelli is benefiting from a splash of colour thanks to itslocal community council.

Llangennech Community Council is 'adopting' the village railwaystation to ensure it offers the best possible welcome for localpeople and visitors alike. The station is being 'adopted' under theArriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a Station' scheme which involvescommunities in caring for and taking pride in their local railwaystation.

The Community Council has been keeping an eye on LlangennechStation since 2004 and on Tuesday (16 May 2006) unveiled a plaqueofficially marking its 'adoption'. With Arriva Trains Wales' helpthe Council has transformed the station with an array of plantswhich are just coming into bloom on the station platforms.

Wyn Evans, town clerk to Llangennech Community Council,said:

Llangennech Station is not only the gateway to ourvillage but to the beautiful Heart of Wales railway line. In thisrespect our floral displays brighten the station for local peopleand visitors as well as those passing through bytrain.

We have a local grounds man who visits the station on aweekly basis to keep the flowers looking their best and keep an eyeon any other issues that need addressing. We can then let our localArriva station manager know quickly if he needs to take anyaction.

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

We look forward to continuing our partnership withLlangennech Community Council. It's all about encouraging localpeople to take an interest in their local station and we aregrateful to them for their time.

He continued:

The 'adoption' will help us keep Llangennech RailwayStation in the best possible condition. When local people getinvolved like this, it creates pride in the facilities and peopledon't want to see others littering and vandalising theirstation.

Station 'adopters' carry out regular spot checks relating to thetidiness and cleanliness of the station, in addition to thosealready undertaken by Arriva Trains Wales. Any issues that may needaddressing are then passed on to the local station manager. Inreturn, 'adopters' are offered travel vouchers for use on theArriva Trains Wales network.

The scheme has already been successful at over 90 stationsthroughout the Arriva Trains Wales network with the BritishTransport Police reporting a drop in anti-social behaviour at somestations.

More information about the 'Adopt a Station' scheme can beobtained by calling Arriva Trains Wales customer services on 08456061 660 or by visitingwww.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.

Anyone wishing to report an incident requiring the assistance ofBritish Transport Police can call free and in confidence on 0800405040.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Photograph (front from left): Julian Viggers, station managerfor Arriva Trains Wales; Bill Griffiths, vice chair of LlangennechCommunity Council and John Willock, chairman of LlangennechCommunity Council; (rear from left) Gill Wright, Heart of WalesTravellers Association; Wyn Evans, clerk to Llangennech CommunityCouncil and Sergeant Steve Dawkins British Transport Police.
• The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a Station' scheme is supportedby the British Transport Police and the Association of CommunityRail Partnerships.
• For background information on Arriva Trains Wales visitwww.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.