TRANSPORT for Wales is urging Radnorshire residents to come forward and join a scheme to help look after two rural train stations.

Transport for Wales’ (TfW) 'Adopt a Station' scheme aims to improve links between local communities and customers living near unstaffed railway stations.

Launched in April 2004, the station adoption scheme involves people who support TfW in keeping stations in good condition, with more than 140 partnerships formed since its inception. The scheme has similar objectives to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme where local people help keep an eye on their unstaffed railway stations across the UK.

And in Powys, residents are being urged to come forward and join the scheme to help get two Radnorshire stations adopted – Llandrindod Wells and Llanbister Road.

Many rural stations in Mid Wales have already been adopted – including Caersws and Welshpool on the Cambrian Line and Builth Road, Cilmeri, Dolau, Garth, Knighton, Knucklas, Llangammarch, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llangunllo, Penybont and Sugar Loaf on the Heart of Wales Line.

“As an adopter, the basic requirement is to submit at least two reports a month about the condition of the station,” say Transport for Wales (TfW) in a statement about the scheme on its website.

“We will ask you to report on matters such as litter, graffiti, vandalism, lighting, information help points and timetable information. If there are any issues that might need addressing, the station manager will ensure our maintenance operatives are aware so that they can be addressed.

“At some stations, it may be possible to care for floral displays or the station garden. We have many great examples where volunteers maintain their gardens to a very high standard with many being recognised by winning national awards.

“There is no financial commitment to you as an adopter and there is no requirement for you to undertake any cleaning or maintenance issues as these are done on a weekly basis by our own staff. You can adopt a station as an individual or as part of a group.

READ MORE

“In return for your support, adopters receive an annual travel voucher that can be used on any part of the UK rail network.”

You will also be invited to one of five annual regional conferences held in the spring around the TfW network, where you can meet other adopters and find out the latest news from within the business.

Since last making a public push for people to come forward and join the scheme, Llangunllo has been adopted, but no-one has yet come forward to help manage Llandrindod and Llanbister Road.

To find out more about how to adopt a station, contact the TfW customer relations team on 03333 211 202 or email community@tfw.wales. Alternatively, visit the https://tfw.wales/about-us/our-culture/community-partnerships/adopt-a-station segment of the TfW website.