Passengers using Stroud will benefit from a cleaner station thanks to a team of volunteers working during Community Rail Week.

Community Rail Week took place from 18 to 24 October and paid tribute to the work of community rail groups and the role that they play in promoting sustainable journeys by rail.

Volunteers from Network Rail, Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership (GCRP), and Edible Stroud carried out the work.

They joined forces to brighten up Stroud station and improve the station’s environment for rail passengers.

Edible Stroud is a local organisation committed to increasing the amount of fresh, organic food that is grown locally, helping to reduce the town’s carbon footprint.

This year’s theme was ‘go green by train’. In line with that theme, the volunteers removed weeds and overgrown vegetation from a disused platform at the station.

Future volunteering days will focus on maintaining the station’s raised beds. Community volunteers will return to grow and harvest edible plants with the help of Edible Stroud.

Vicky Clift, customer support manager for Network Rail, said: “It was fantastic to see Network Rail colleagues use their volunteer days to help the community group at Stroud station.

“Community Rail Week is an important date in the calendar, showcasing the hard work of local volunteers and raising awareness of sustainable travel and the social and environmental benefits of the railway.

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

Hannah McDonnell co-director of Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership said: “The energy and enthusiasm that the Network Rail volunteers brought to Stroud station during Community Rail Week was inspirational. Their collaboration demonstrates the positive impact of supporting community activity and working in partnership.

“GCRP looks forward to helping Gloucestershire’s stations thrive as places that support communities, rail users and visitors to encourage increased use of sustainable modes of transport.”

Josie Cowgill, Edible Stroud organiser said: “Edible Stroud is delighted to collaborate with Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership and Network Rail to create this edible and wildlife friendly area at Stroud station. We look forward to working together on the raised beds in the near future.”

Anyone interested in taking part in future volunteering opportunities at Stroud station is welcome to join in. More information is available by emailing [email protected]

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