Published on: Friday, 21 May 2021
Last updated: Friday, 21 May 2021
Manningtree station is blooming thanks to the work of local volunteers.
The station has received a makeover with a fresh lick of paint for the picnic benches outside the station buffet on platform 1 and the addition of pretty flowerpots planted with bright geraniums.
The front of the station will benefit from hanging baskets which have been funded by Lawford Council.
Kerry King and Martin Rayner have officially ‘adopted’ the station through Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme and are steaming ahead to help make the station more attractive and welcoming, ready for when passengers return as Covid restrictions ease.
As part of their plans, the waiting rooms will become mini galleries thanks to Mark Kalaher, Lawford Primary School, The Creative Craft Centre at Acorn Villages Charity, Manningtree and District Photography Society and the local poetry group whose poems are featured in the Poetry Plus magazine, who have all contributed photos, pictures and poems.
They are supported by fellow adopters Morag Gibbons and Alison Nichols.
Seven new planters will also be installed along the platforms for floral displays thanks to funding from the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.
Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme sees people getting involved with their local rail station for the benefit of their communities, working with Greater Anglia to bring about improvements or caring for gardens and floral displays to benefit local wildlife and make stations more welcoming.
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said, "It’s amazing what Kerry and Martin have achieved in a short space of time and it has made a big difference to the station, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
"We are very grateful to them, Lawford Council and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership who have supported Kerry and Martin with their plans."