Published on: Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Last updated: Wednesday, 6 March 2019
A mural created by pupils from Greensward Academy to welcome people to Hockley rail station has been unveiled by MP, Mark Francois.
The project saw the Year 9 students produce a triptych of three 4-foot high boards depicting Hockley Woods through the seasons.
The mural is now on display at the station’s entrance thanks to the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and train operator, Greater Anglia.
It completes the transformation of the station – on the Shenfield to Southend line – which has been receiving some TLC from a group of station adopters who have adorned it with planters, window boxes and hanging baskets and even created a station garden.
Lynda Stone, Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Officer, said, “The station is looking fantastic thanks to the enthusiasm of the community who have worked with us to create a really attractive welcome to Hockley for anyone arriving by train.
“The students’ art work is the icing on the cake and I’m sure everyone who passes by will enjoy it.”
Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby, said, “We are very grateful to the station adopters, Greensward Academy and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership for all their hard work, which is helping to transform Hockley station and put it at the heart of its community.”
Mark Francois, MP, commented: “I warmly congratulate the year 9 pupils at Greensward Academy and the Hockley Station adopters for all their hard work in creating this beautiful addition to our local environment.
“I hope this striking mural will help to brighten the day for commuters as they start their journey to work each morning.”