Arriva Trains Wales is highlighting the outstanding contribution made by local volunteers at Tenby railway station by nominating them in this year’s ‘Tidy Wales Awards’ organised by Keep Wales Tidy.

The Tidy Wales Awards 2016 present an opportunity for passengers and local members of the public to acknowledge the work put in to improve Tenby Station since it was adopted by volunteers in 2013, by voting on the Arriva Trains Wales’ website at www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/keeptidywales. The voting period opened on Monday and closes Wednesday, August 31.

Speaking on behalf of Tenby in Bloom, local volunteer Sue Lane said: “We’d love passengers to vote as it is recognition of all the hard work our volunteers have put in to improve Tenby Station. The scheme is a great way of bringing the community together and our close relationship with Arriva and the work we do on the ground ensures that Tenby always makes a good first impression to visitors.

“As volunteers, Tenby in Bloom’s ‘beautification team’ work in partnership with a team of local plumbers, the local council and guest house owners near the station to provide and maintain floral displays and keep the area clean and tidy. This ensures that everyone who comes to Tenby by train has a pleasant and colourful welcome.

“We are grateful for all the generous support we receive from Arriva Trains Wales and their staff, who are always very welcoming and appreciative of our efforts.”

Voting for the ‘Tidy Wales Awards’ began in the same week as National Volunteers Week (June 1-12), which celebrates the work done by volunteers throughout the UK. Arriva Trains Wales works closely with more than 200 volunteers through its ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme.

The scheme, set up by Arriva Trains Wales in 2004, aims to improve their links with local communities and customers living near railway stations. It encourages members of the public to provide regular feedback on the conditions of the stations to ensure they are kept in the best possible condition.

Similar to the ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ scheme; ‘station adopters’ report on matters that may need addressing such as litter, graffiti, vandalism or faulty lighting by filling in a survey form for the local station manager. Any issues brought up by the volunteers are then dealt with by Arriva’s own maintenance teams. Where opportunities allow, many volunteers also tend to station gardens, some of which have been recognised in National awards.

Geraint Morgan, community relations manager at Arriva Trains Wales, said: “Our station adopters make a significant contribution to ensure unstaffed stations always look their best. By going that extra mile, their support helps ensure customers receive a clean, friendly and welcoming environment when arriving at stations.

“We’d like to encourage everyone to vote for their best kept staffed or unstaffed stations as they are often key facilities in the community, where first impressions count. Where the opportunity exists; some of our volunteers such as those at Prestatyn have made a huge difference to the appearance of stations, while others regularly keep us informed of any issues that might need addressing.”

To date over 120 of Arriva Trains Wales’ 190 unstaffed stations have been taken on by community-spirited volunteers. To recognise their contribution, the adopters receive an annual issue of rail travel vouchers.

Now in its 25th year, the Tidy Wales Awards, run by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, recognises community groups, schools and organisations who go the extra mile to improve their local environment.

Lesley Jones, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: “We are delighted to be working with Arriva Trains Wales in celebrating the important work of its Station Adoption teams.

“The Tidy Wales Awards celebrates people from all over the country, taking action to keep Wales beautiful and their community safe and tidy. These people take time out of their busy lives to help create welcoming and attractive station environments for everyone to enjoy and we want to celebrate these unsung green heroes.”

Following the closing date, three unstaffed and three staffed stations will be shortlisted for the awards, with the overall winners being nominated by judges from Keep Wales Tidy.

To vote for your best kept staff and unstaffed stations, please visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/keeptidywales

For more information on Arriva Trains Wales’ ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme and to find out more about how to adopt a station, please contact our Customer Relations team on 03333 211 202 or email [email protected].