Media Centre

Burnham-on-Crouch station benefits from extra care and attention

8 Jul 2008

National Express East Anglia’s Burnham-on-Crouch station  is looking better than ever thanks to the  attentions of the  Burnham Bridge Task Force, a local voluntary group who over the past five years have dedicated more than 2,500 hours in helping to maintain the station car park and embankments

In the period 2004-2005 the Burnham Bridge Task Force bought and planted over 30 shrubs, 2,300 tulip bulbs, and 300 wallflowers; this does not include the number of plants donated or grown from seed. The group are as enthusiastic as they were in 2003 and their regular meetings focus on the work still to be done. Voluntary projects on this scale are rare and the group's commitment is astounding.  It shows no signs of giving up and plans are already underway for the work to be done later in 2008 and into 2009. The group has even expanded its efforts to incorporate areas adjoining the station car park.

The group's success in establishing this project and bringing it to fruition has enabled other local groups to set up similar schemes to take care of their immediate environment. The goodwill for the group has been demonstrated by the support they receive from the Town Council, National Express East Anglia, the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, local residents and visitors to this riverside town.

The work of the Burnham Bridge Task Force has recently been recognised at the prestigious Network Rail Environment Awards where they were runner up in the Team Contribution award.

Lynda Stone, National Express East Anglia’s Group Station Manager for the Crouch Valley line, commented:

‘I am really grateful for the efforts of the volunteers at Burnham and I would like to congratulate them on their success at the Network Rail Environment Awards. By working together with the local National Express East Anglia team a great deal has been achieved and the station is looking better than ever.’ 

The working party meets at 9.00 am on the first Saturday of every month at the station and new volunteers are always welcome.

For further information, please contact:

National Express East Anglia Press Office on 0207 549 5966/64.