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Updated 27/02/2008

 

Webmaster: Nigel Kirby

 
 

FRIENDS OF STATIONS

 

When the Ribble Valley line reopened in 1994, the intermediate stations were all unstaffed halts.

To prevent the degeneration into vandalised wrecks, Ribble Valley Rail pioneered the "Friends of Stations" concept.

With the blessing of the railway authorities, and, with full insurance cover, RVR volunteers "adopted" the stations.

As a result of the Friends' work, the stations have suffered relatively little vandalism. When it does occur, the resulting mess is quickly tidied up. This seems to discourage further attacks as the culprits' "signatures" are promptly removed.

Broken fixtures and fittings are reported to the authorities, who are constantly monitored to ensure repairs are carried out. This results in tidy, well-lit stations, which are more user-friendly, and, we like to think, attract more people to use the trains.

Some examples of the "Friends of Stations" work are as follows:

Every summer, an array of over forty hanging baskets and flower boxes adorn CLITHEROE station.

These attract admiring comments from Clitheronians and visitors alike.

Less glamorous tasks include platform cleaning and the repainting of station furniture when required.

 

 

 

Similar duties are undertaken at

WHALLEY

Having the backdrop of

Whalley Nab

also helps to maintain a country station ambience

 

 

 

At LANGHO

a well-stocked station garden is cared for..

In the first year of service, we campaigned for improved lighting, improved subway drainage, and a properly surfaced station approach.

 

In the more urban environment of

RAMSGREAVE & WILPSHIRE,

a great deal of time is spent tidying up after the local "yoofs", who delight in smearing takeaway curry over the platform.

No, this is certainly not the glamorous side of railways.

 

One of several well-tended flower boxes that now adorn Ramsgreave & Wilpshire

Above: A wrecked shelter awaits repair by contractors but toughened "glass", subsequently installed, has now helped to reduce the problem but the panes are still not completely immune to damage.

Fortunately, the above is not the norm, and ISS are reasonably prompt in undertaking repairs.

CCTV surveillance has also now been installed on the station, and is proving effective.

 

Flower Tub Replacement

 

Right: Colin Rushton, Peter Moore and Keith Lakeland downtools temporarily for a photograph whilst replacing the flower tubs at Ramsgreave & Wilpshire

 

 

Friday 16 November 2007

 

Left: Brian Haworth, Colin Rushton, and Dean Weaver hard at work removing the old tubs on Platform Two at Ramsgreave & Wilpshire

The tubs themselves look very sturdy but the whole operation to replace them turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, and very time-consuming.

Well done to all those involved, including several not actually shown in the photos!

 

Sunday 18 November 2007

Photos: N. Kirby

At Langho

Right: Peter Moore takes his turn to supervise the replacement by Bill Briggs, Brian Haworth, and Keith Lakeland

 

Below: The same team continue their excellent work at Langho

Photos: S. Clarke

Wednesday 21 November 2007

At Whalley

Captions to follow

Photos: S. Clarke

 

Wednesday 27th Febrfuary 2008

 

We have achieved much, but we are always looking out for new blood.

Even help, on an occasional basis, would be welcome.

 

So, if you would like to become a Friend of one of the Ribble Valley stations,

please contact

 

"Friends of Stations"

Co-ordinator

Brian Haworth

email to:

brian.haworth@talktalk.net

and he will put you in touch with the right people.

 

We will then be in touch in short order . . .

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