Press releases

Media opportunity – Launch event for 'Adopt a station'

11am, 27 April 2004, Tywyn Railway Station

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

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

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

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

It's all about encouraging community involvement, and we're working regionally across Wales with British Transport Police (BTP), the RPC , and other groups to gain support for this initiative. Schools are also taking an interest because they can see the benefits to their curriculum. We can visit the school, and they of course can visit the stations, ride the trains and get a feel for the benefits of public transport, the need to be safety conscious, and the adverse effects of anti-social behaviour. We are keen to promote the involvement of even more schools, clubs and businesses.

He continued:

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

People who adopt a local station are asked to carry out regular spot checks, in addition to those already done by Arriva, relating to the tidiness and cleanliness of the station. They then report any issues that may need addressing so they can be dealt with more quickly. In return, adopters are offered travel vouchers for use on Arriva Trains Wales' network.

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

When the neighbourhood is involved, people don't want to see others littering and vandalising; they're local and they know the culprits and are much quicker to report suspicious activity.

If anti-social behaviour is reported, then it assists us in deploying our resources effectively so the station doesn't become 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 to encourage people to meet us and find out how easy it is to adopt a station and play an active role in their local railway.

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

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

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

Gowerton, adopted only two weeks ago, has already ordered flowers and hanging baskets, which the local council will maintain. As two-time winners of Swansea in Bloom, I think they have 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 of the media are invited to attend. Photo and interview opportunities are available. Details of additional road show stations will be made available closer to the dates.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a station' initiative is supported 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 and About.
3. Mr Don Southland is the adopter. He is a local resident as well as an active member of the Talyllyn Railway, a local visitor attraction. More information is available on their website www.talyllyn.co.uk.
4. The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a Station' initiative web page is available on www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk ; click on the banner 'Are You Ready to Adopt'. It will detail stations available for 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 prior arrangement with the press office.