It will highlight the dangers of trespassing on the railway, promote a better understanding of the railway but will also work to offer support to vulnerable people who need help.
A London Northwestern Railway (LNR) spokesperson explained that increased patrols and working with charities that deal with homelessness and drug addiction were part of a wider plan to ensure that passengers feel confident to return to using the station and the trains. Permanent CCTV cameras have also been installed to enhance security and put passengers at ease.
Thomas, a volunteer from Bedford, has spent the past 18 months working with the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (CRP) on plans to help transform the station with the launch of the visitor center on May 18.
Read more
Read more
The Samsons Academy Charity in Bedford will be featured in a BBC documentary on the m…
Thomas started volunteering at Bedford St Johns just before the first lockdown in 2020 and said he was particularly concerned about the anti-social behavior he witnessed.
When the restrictions were lifted, Thomas helped clean up the station. This is where the idea of a reception center was born.
Thomas said: “I am deeply invested in the reception center and believe it will be a much needed and hopefully well used refuge for some of the less fortunate in the community. Even if only one person shows up and asks for help, I think it will have been a success.
“The ‘Adopt a Station’ program, on the other hand, is for all of us and all of Bedford and beyond can benefit from this program. I have been to the station daily and would love to be joined by other volunteers who support our mission to transform our local station.
Station adoption groups have been set up at every station along the Marston Vale line with artwork designed by local youth group ‘Little Bandits’ and students from the Bedford College Foundation installed in Bedford St Johns.
A full schedule on the Marston Vale Line resumed on May 16 following service cuts during the pandemic.
Learn more about volunteering here.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-26 16:26:34