As part of Citizens’ Rail, a new community group has been launched to support the improvement of Exeter St Thomas station on The Riviera Line in Devon.
20 people attended the group’s first meeting and drop-in session, held on 13th January and organised by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and train operator First Great Western. The Friends of Exeter St Thomas Station will help plan murals for the station platform walls and greenery on the platforms, as well as getting involved in planting and watering. The meeting was very productive – with excellent feedback from attendees:
Inspiring community ideas at last night's launch of Friends of #EXEStThomas Station – next stop, a site visit
@CitizensRail @DCRailPart
— Cllr Paul Bull (@CllrPaul4Cowick) January 14, 2015
The formation of the Friends group is being supported by the EU Citizens’ Rail project, led by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, which is working to develop the Riviera Line, between Exeter and Paignton, and get more people involved with their railway. The project has already helped to revive the Friends of Dawlish Station and set up a new Friends of Teignmouth Station group.
Celia Minoughan, Riviera Line project officer at the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: “The impact that the volunteers have had at Dawlish station shows what can be achieved. We are looking forward to getting ideas from local residents so we can make a real difference to passengers at Exeter St Thomas.”
First Great Western Station Manager Melanie Harvey “We are committed to supporting the communities we serve. This project is aiming to get the railway, volunteers and local businesses to work together to improve the station environment for all.”
The formation of the new group coincides with other improvements taking place at the station as part of Citizens’ Rail – including attractive new shelters.
To find out more or get involved, contact Citizens’ Rail’s Riviera Line Officer, Celia Minoughan, on 01752 584777 or at celia@citizensrail.org.
