Artwork inspired by the Transpennine Route Upgrade has been unveiled at Batley station this week, after hundreds of pupils from local schools took part in a railway themed colouring competition.
Late last year, pupils from five West Yorkshire schools were challenged to draw pictures inspired by the history of the railway in Batley and future improvements being delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
TRU is set to revolutionise rail across the north by delivering faster, more frequent train services along a cleaner, greener, electrified railway between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.
The artwork was judged by Kim Leadbeater MP for Batley, Friends of Batley Station Chair Gwen Lowe, Nick Martin, Construction Lead on TRU and Ann Duffy, Social Value Lead on TRU.
The winning drawing, which was submitted by Hamnah Nazim from Lydgate Junior & Infants, depicts the benefits the multi-billion-pound upgrades will offer passengers in the future.
Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating the new artwork at Batley station this week and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the local schools and pupils that took part in the colouring competition.
“The judging proved to be difficult, owing to the amazing drawings that were submitted and this showed just how much passion the children have for local transport and the railway. It’s an honour to be involved and I’m really pleased that passengers at Batley station can enjoy the brilliant artwork.”
“For me, this emphasises the benefits the Transpennine Route Upgrade will offer future generations, allowing them to enjoy faster, more frequent trains running along a cleaner, greener, more reliable railway.”
Hamnah’s drawing will now be displayed on the compound area next to Batley station, alongside her fellow students’ entries and other pupils from local schools.
Batley station is one of many stations on the Transpennine Route that is receiving major upgrades to make it fully accessible, with a footbridge and lifts connecting the two platforms.
This week the Transpennine Route Upgrade revealed its new sustainability strategy, which focuses on delivering environmental benefits, social value and employment opportunities for local people.
The programme commits to engaging with over 100,000 young people through its inclusive education programme. It also aims to employ 590 apprentices and deliver over 30,000 placement days to support new entrants joining the industry, pre-employment, transitioning and upskilling.
Image credit: Network Rail
