Have you ever wanted to run your own railway station?

Well now you have the chance as Arriva Trains Wales is offering people the opportunity to take over Whitchurch and Wrenbury railway stations as part of celebrations to mark last week’s International Day of Charity.

Members of the public across the country have volunteered to take on unstaffed railway stations through the national ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme with over 130 now adopted since it launched in 2004.

Station adopters provide regular feedback on litter, graffiti, vandalism, lighting and timetable information so that any issues can be addressed, and there are also opportunities for volunteers to compete for ‘Best Kept Station’ titles and horticultural awards in some areas.

In return they receive an annual issue of rail travel vouchers.

Arriva’s community relations manager, Geraint Morgan, said: “Station adopters don’t have to do any cleaning or maintenance because these are done on a regular basis by our own staff. They act as an extra pair of eyes and ears at our stations where we don’t have any on site staff and report any problems.

“It’s a really vital job and we are very grateful to all the volunteers across our network who make the charitable effort on behalf of their local community to help keep their stations at their best.”

“Some of our stations have gardens or floral displays, and our volunteers have not only enhanced the appearance of their local railway station but also won national awards for their green fingered efforts. Individuals or groups can adopt a station, and there’s plenty of potential for improvements if we all work together – even if you just want a pleasant platform to sit and watch the trains go past.”

For more information on Arriva Trains Wales’ ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme please visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/AdoptStation or contact 03333 211202.