Barnstaple station in North Devon recently had a makeover thanks to over 20 volunteers. The event was organised by staff from Network Rail, Tarka Rail Association and Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership (DCRP) they were joined by volunteers from Barclays Bank and the Veterans Charity joined.

People traveling into and out of Barnstaple will see a cleaner and brighter station and platform. Passengers will now be welcomed by an attractive community garden as well as the much welcomed improved station environment.

Volunteers had safe access to site after fences were replaced, and the disused platform and the community garden had the weeds and overgrown vegetation removed by the green fingered volunteers.  A bespoke Community Rail access board has been installed which provides useful passenger information including safety advice and emergency contacts.

Tuesday 2 November will see the volunteers return to keep on top of the weeds and add bark chippings to the planters. Their work will ensure the platforms look and feel inviting for passengers for the next year and beyond.

Vicky Clift, customer support manager for Network Rail, said: “It was great to see representatives from the different organisations work together to improve the appearance of the platform at Barnstaple station.

“Supporting community projects means that we can work alongside local residents to improve public spaces and create a welcoming environment for passengers.

“Enhancing the passenger experience is a key part of making sure that people returning to the railway can travel in confidence.”

Rebecca Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, who coordinated the volunteers, said: “It was a great day, everyone pulled together and worked incredibly hard. I am sure users of Barnstaple station will notice a difference.”

Danny Greeno, chief executive officer of the Veterans Charity, said: “We were very proud to be asked to be part of such a great community action and to spend a few hours working alongside other volunteers and Network Rail staff to help tidy the space at Barnstaple station.

“Our office is located very close by and as Barnstaple station will be among the many involved in our upcoming ‘Routes Of Remembrance’ events this November, it was a pleasure to be part of the volunteer force.”

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