Media Centre

National Express invites communities to 'adopt' Grantham railway station

30 May 2008

Local people are being invited to ‘adopt’ Grantham railway station, as part of a community initiative being launched today (30 May) by train operator National Express East Coast.

The rail firm, which manages Grantham station, is seeking nominations from community groups or individuals who may wish to contribute to station life on a voluntary basis and make use of spare office space at the station.

Anna Heathcote, head of stations at National Express East Coast, said: “Railway stations are vibrant and important gateways to the communities they serve. We want to bring the town and station closer together by encouraging a strong sense of local, mutual pride.

“Adopting a station could involve helping out the station team by maintaining a clean and tidy environment, keeping an eye out for anything untoward, or providing feedback to ensure that we meet the high standards expected by our customers. In return, the chosen community group or individual would be offered a number of benefits, including the use of spare office space and a free poster site at the station for community purposes.”

To apply, please visit www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/adoptastation or pick up an ‘Adopt A Station’ form from the booking office at Grantham station. The deadline for applications is 14 July. A selection panel, comprising passenger watchdog Passenger Focus, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships and station managers from National Express East Coast, will then choose the best nomination.

National Express East Coast is also introducing the station adoption scheme at four of its other managed stations on the East Coast Main Line – Newark Northgate, Retford, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Dunbar.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Media Centre

t: 0845 059 3988 or 0845 059 3494
e: media.centre@nationalexpress.com

About National Express East Coast

National Express East Coast operates 137 weekday train services along the East Coast Main Line, linking London King's Cross, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, North East England and Scotland, carrying more than 17.4 million passengers a year.

Out of normal office hours (17.30 to 09.00 hours) please call 08700 005151 and ask for the duty press officer to be paged.