The Royal Horticultural Society has handed a prestigious award to a train station brightened up by volunteers with the creation of colourful new gardens. The spectacular efforts of the helpers have even been credited with helping to double the number of people using Kidsgrove station in Staffordshire.
Society judges dished out ‘high level 3′ distinctions after praising the eclectic mix of flowers, together with the mural at the station in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Members of the Friends of Kidsgrove Garden worked tirelessly to restore the station’s floral attractions to their former glory.
The new features also include a memorial garden for the organisation’s co-founder Allan Dale, who died two years ago.
Other features include a wildflower area, hedgehog houses, an embankment garden, roses and boxes to attract birds and insects, helping the station to also win a Newcastle in Bloom award.
Borough councillor Elsie Bates said the number of people using the station had jumped by up to 50%, adding: “I know it’s because of the garden because people tell us.
“People even drive from Congleton to use Kidsgrove because it’s so nice.”
Society judges have also given a ‘high level 3′ award to Uttoxeter railway station, whose garden has been similarly overhauled.
