Local Mayor visits Bedworth station to support the work of station adopters

Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Chris Watkins and Lady Mayoress, Collette Watkins have visited Bedworth station to meet local volunteers who work to improve the experience for rail passengers.

Station adopter Stuart Anderson and his team gave a tour of the station to show off their work and share their plans for the future.

The group regularly spend time clearing the area of litter and debris, to help make the station more welcoming for passengers.They are now looking start a fruit and vegetable garden at the station and want to widen their scope to address litter issues in the car park

West Midlands Railway supports their work at the station and will be providing an information board to display a local ‘What’s On’ guide on platform two. This will be maintained by the volunteers, providing a space for community groups and events to advertise their activities.

The Mayor has also shown his support for the work the adopters by offering them contacts in local schools.The group hope to be able to facilitate using space around the station to display artwork by local pupils.

Stuart Anderson, team leader for Bedworth station adopters said: "It was fantastic to have the Mayor and Lady Mayoress attend our station to learn about our work. It was a much welcomed visit for the team, as we are looking to build new relationships with the local authority and wider community in the area. With their support we can help improve the experience for passengers at Bedworth station for years to come"

Fay Easton, head of stakeholder and community at West Midlands Railway said: “We know the intense commitment our adopters make to their stations and communities. The team at Bedworth are a shining example of the difference these volunteer groups can make in their local areas and it’s great that the sterling efforts have been credited with civic recognition. 

"The Mayor was impressed with the contributions of the adopters and we will continue to find new ways to support such efforts, which are so very much appreciated by West Midlands Trains staff and passengers alike.”

West Midlands Trains supports over 150 station adopters across the rail network. In celebrating the achievements of these groups and individuals, the operator wants to encourage others to get involved.

Any individuals or groups interested in station adoption should contact Fay at fay.easton@wmtrains.co.uk