Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has been praising the work of railway station volunteers across the region this week.

He met with a group of local station adopters at Stechford, this was in order to learn about their work and encourage more groups to get involved in their local area.

The volunteers make a real difference to the station, by completing tasks such as painting, installing artworks, and landscaping.

Over the past year, there have been over 20 new adopters join the West Midlands Railway scheme, bringing the current total to over 100 across the region.

The train operating company has a dream to see some form of community activity every one of their 114 stations.

The call comes as the train operator and West Midlands Rail Executive have recently launched their Cross City Heroes campaign, to recognise community achievements along the region’s busiest commuter route through Birmingham.

What did the officials say?

The Mayor said:

“I was delighted to be able to thank in person the volunteers who have transformed Stechford Railway Station. I am sure their excellent efforts are also appreciated by the many rail passengers who use the station daily.

“A number of stations, from Coseley to Olton, have been improved by groups. There are many ways in which volunteers can help, from creating brilliant artwork to organising local pop ups and hosting coffee mornings.”

Fay Easton, head of community and stakeholder at West Midlands Railway, said:

“As well as benefitting commuters and passengers, station adoption schemes also help the volunteers themselves. Joining such a group can help locals meet new people, tackling loneliness and bringing a community together.”

Cllr Roger Lawrence, WMRE chair and leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said:

“We are working with West Midlands Railway to involve local communities in activities at our railway stations. Not only does this benefit the community and rail travellers, but the volunteers gain lots out of it too. We are also creating opportunities for community participation in planning, designing and delivering the new stations in our West Midlands Rail Programme”

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