Sampford Courtenay Station in Devon is presently not in use for passenger service, has had some work done to it.

Sampford Courtenay Parish Council and Network Rail have paired up to improve the station and allow for community garden planters making the stations appearance better for those traveling by the station.

Sampford Courtenay Station is located along the recently reopened Dartmoor line and previously hosted the occasional heritage rail traffic, but had become overgrown due to lack of passenger use.

Since the lines reopening, Network Rail has replaced the tarmac, installed fencing on the platform and gained site access for local volunteers.

Network Rail discussed with the council’s environment and sustainability group to allow volunteers to have a key to the station to allow them to tend to planters and keep the station looking nice.

Máedóc Ellis, Network Rail’s community support manager for community rail, said: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to work with the parish council and local volunteers to find a solution that suits their needs.

“The community group have already brightened up the platform by decorating it for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee earlier in the summer and by tending to the planters.

“Passengers travelling through the station will now have an appealing view from their carriage when they pass by, which helps to make the railway more welcoming for all.

“I look forward to seeing how the volunteers progress within the Sampford Courtenay community rail group and hope that looking after the station for local residents and passengers brings further social benefits to the railway.”

Marion Pratt, clerk to Sampford Courtenay Parish Council said: “Sampford Courtenay Parish Council environment and sustainability group are very pleased to be part of the fantastic reopening of the Dartmoor Line.

“Keeping Sampford Courtenay Station looking clean, tidy and colourful is just doing our small bit in the hope that the station will be re-opened for a Sunday service or request stop in the not too distant future, with our main goal for a regular service for our parishioners and those of the neighbouring parishes.”