Chance to adopt Whitchurch and Ludlow rail stations

Arriva Trains Wales is offering people in Shropshire the opportunity to take over their local station as part of celebrations to mark International Day of Charity.

Members of the public volunteer to take on unstaffed railway stations in their area through the national 'Adopt a Station' scheme which was launched in 2004.

Over 130 Arriva Trains Wales stations have since been adopted by community-spirited volunteers, who receive an annual issue of rail travel vouchers.

There are now 84 more up for grabs including Ludlow and Whitchurch.

Adopt a Station aims to improve links between Arriva, local communities and customers living near 190 unstaffed stations across the railway operator's network.

Station adopters provide regular feedback on litter, graffiti, vandalism, lighting and timetable information so that any issues can be addressed.

There are also opportunities for volunteers to compete for 'Best Kept Station' titles and horticultural awards in some areas.

Arriva's community relations manager, Geraint Morgan, said: "Station adopters don't have to do any cleaning or maintenance because these are done on a regular basis by our own staff.

"They act as an extra pair of eyes and ears at our stations where we don't have any on site staff and report any problems. It's a really vital job and we are very grateful to all the volunteers across our network who make the charitable effort on behalf of their local community to help keep their stations at their best.

"Some of our stations have gardens or floral displays, and our volunteers have not only enhanced the appearance of their local railway station but also won national awards for their green fingered efforts. Individuals or groups can adopt a station, and there's plenty of potential for improvements if we all work together – even if you just want a pleasant platform to sit and watch the trains go past."

For more information on Arriva Trains Wales' Adopt a Station scheme visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/AdoptStation or call 03333 211202.

In the past 13 years, Arriva Trains Wales has invested £32 million in the network to improve stations, staff facilities and training, service availability and ticket purchase opportunities.

Throughout 2017, Arriva Trains Wales is investing £2.8 million across the business to improve the customer experience.