Arriva Trains Wales | HELEN AND STEFFAN KEEP BARGOED STATION IN THE FAMILY

HELEN AND STEFFAN KEEP BARGOED STATION IN THE FAMILY

Mother and son rail enthusiasts Helen and Steffan McMahon have taken their hobby one step further and adopted their own railway station.

Bargoed adoption Helen and Steffan regularly join the train spotting community on Cardiff station and are particularly interested locomotives. Now they have adopted Bargoed station in the Rhymney Valley.

“We just enjoy trains and wanted to use our hobby to put something back into the local community.” said Helen.

The pair has already spoken to Jeremy Williams, station manager on the valley routes about their plans for the future which include planting some tubs in time for summer.

Arriva Trains Wales ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme involves communities in caring for their local railway station. The scheme is supported by British Transport Police, who have reported a drop in anti-social behaviour at some stations. Dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have also been introduced on Valley routes and they regularly patrol stations and trains.

Since their introduction in May 2006, the PCSOs have undertaken more than 3000 train and station patrols with more than 1000 people ejected from stations for loitering or having no intention to travel.

By keeping an eye on things, and letting the local station manager know if any issues arise regarding the condition of station facilities, Helen and Steffan hope to keep the station in the best possible condition for locals and visitors alike.

Jeremy Williams, station manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “We are looking forward to working with both Helen and Steffan. The scheme is all about encouraging local people to take an interest in their local station.”

He continued: “Like our other unstaffed stations, Bargoed is visited at least twice a week by our maintenance teams, who remove litter and keep the station clean. With Helen and Steffan acting as an extra pair of eyes and ears at the station, we’re sure to be made aware of any issues that arise between scheduled maintenance visits and ensure they’re resolved quickly.”