NEWTON Aycliffe train station has recently been put up for ‘adoption’ by Northern Rail, who are looking for community groups to make the facility a ‘hub’ for the town.
While the notion of ‘adopting’ a railway station might not be the most common idea in the world, it’s something that has been going on for several years and involves a community-led approach to maintaining train buildings and rail links across the UK.
Set up as a way of bringing together the community, ideas for ‘adopting’ each station includes creating floral displays, murals, artwork, and other projects.
Read more: Chester-le-Street among least used rail stations in North East
After seeing success at several other areas in England, Northern Rail has today (March 7) approached residents in Newton Aycliffe to ‘adopt’ their local station.
A spokesperson for the rail operator said: “At Northern we are always looking for local groups to adopt our railway stations and help us make them even more of a hub for the local area.
“Our station adoption scheme is voluntary, but funding is provided by Northern; activities can include creating gardening/floral displays and decorative artwork, but we always love to hear new ideas too!
“Station adoption is a great opportunity to gather members of the local community together, particularly after navigating an isolating few years.”
Newton Aycliffe rail station was originally opened by British Rail in 1978 as a vital link between Bishop Auckland and Darlington.
Over the last several years, like many stations, the passenger numbers have fallen, with only 27,000 people using the town’s public transport service in 2020/21; a reduction of 40,000 compared to 2016.
Currently, Newton Aycliffe station operates an hourly service between Saltburn and Bishop Auckland, via Darlington.
More information about the ‘station adoption scheme’ and details of who to contact can be found here.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel