Press releases

A rural railway station on the picturesque Heart of Wales Line near Llanelli is benefiting from a splash of colour thanks to its local community council.

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

The Community Council has been keeping an eye on Llangennech Station since 2004 and on Tuesday (16 May 2006) unveiled a plaque officially marking its 'adoption'. With Arriva Trains Wales' help the Council has transformed the station with an array of plants which 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 our village but to the beautiful Heart of Wales railway line. In this respect our floral displays brighten the station for local people and visitors as well as those passing through by train.

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

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

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Llangennech Community Council. It's all about encouraging local people to take an interest in their local station and we are grateful to them for their time.

He continued:

The 'adoption' will help us keep Llangennech Railway Station in the best possible condition. When local people get involved like this, it creates pride in the facilities and people don't want to see others littering and vandalising their station.

Station 'adopters' carry out regular spot checks relating to the tidiness and cleanliness of the station, in addition to those already undertaken by Arriva Trains Wales. Any issues that may need addressing are then passed on to the local station manager. In return, 'adopters' are offered travel vouchers for use on the Arriva Trains Wales network.

The scheme has already been successful at over 90 stations throughout the Arriva Trains Wales network with the British Transport Police reporting a drop in anti-social behaviour at some stations.

More information about the 'Adopt a Station' scheme can be obtained by calling Arriva Trains Wales customer services on 0845 6061 660 or by visiting www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.

Anyone wishing to report an incident requiring the assistance of British Transport Police can call free and in confidence on 0800 405040.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Photograph (front from left): Julian Viggers, station manager for Arriva Trains Wales; Bill Griffiths, vice chair of Llangennech Community Council and John Willock, chairman of Llangennech Community Council; (rear from left) Gill Wright, Heart of Wales Travellers Association; Wyn Evans, clerk to Llangennech Community Council and Sergeant Steve Dawkins British Transport Police.
• The Arriva Trains Wales 'Adopt a Station' scheme is supported by the British Transport Police and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.
• For background information on Arriva Trains Wales visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.