Volunteers from Network Rail teamed up with the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership and Knorr-Bremse, a leading manufacturer of rail safety systems, to improve the environment around Melksham station in Wiltshire, including the area outside the popular Melksham Hub Café.
The volunteers cleared away weeds and overgrown vegetation from the café entrance and car park, which is located next to Melksham railway station and serves as a focal point for rail passengers and the wider community.
The café, which opened in 2021, features a live departures and arrivals board to keep patrons informed of the timings for their onward journeys and hosts community activities in addition to providing refreshments.
Máedóc Ellis, Network Rail’s community support manager for community rail, said: “It was great to join volunteers from the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership and Knorr-Bremse to spruce up the grounds outside the Melksham Hub Café.
“Working with community rail partnerships to enhance station environments and services like the café brings further social benefits to the railway and helps promote sustainable travel while providing a collaborative platform for communities and the rail industry to engage with projects that contribute to economic and social development.
“We hope that café patrons and passengers continue to make full use of the facilities and thank Gemma, the café manager, for supporting our efforts and for the cups of tea!”
Sophie Martin, TransWilts community rail officer, said: “We had a wonderful few hours with the Network Rail volunteers. They really got stuck in and helped clear the land of weeds and debris.
“A great team effort and a big thank you for their community contribution.”
Image credit: Network Rail
