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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. |
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Similar duties are undertaken at
WHALLEY
Having the backdrop of
Whalley Nab
also helps to maintain a country station ambience
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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.
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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.
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One of several well-tended flower boxes that now adorn Ramsgreave & Wilpshire
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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.
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CCTV surveillance has also now been installed on the station, and is proving effective.
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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
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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 |
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At Whalley
Captions to follow
Photos: S. Clarke
Wednesday 27th Febrfuary 2008
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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. |
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We will then be in touch in short order . . .
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