A planter in the shape of a train has been installed at Maryport’s station.
Cumberland Council’s Community Rail Cumbria, Northern and The Maryporters worked with staff and apprentices at Gen2, who have designed and produced the planter.
The project was inspired by a train built by Tony Messenger, a trainer at Gen2 who had died.
Welding and fabrication trainer/assessor Simon Farrar set a challenge, as part of their course work, to apprentices Steven Fiddler, Stephen Temple, Dylan Tuner, Tyler Harrel and Blake Miller to design and build a bigger train to be used as a planter at the railway station.
Over a number of months, Simon and the apprentices took this from an idea to the final build.
Station adopters The Maryporters engaged with the teachers and pupils from Netherhall School, who helped with the planting of flowers at the railway station, including the new train planter.
With the support of Northern and ISS the train planter has now been installed and sits proudly on the platform for all to see.
Warren Birch, community rail partnership officer, said: “Working with Gen2 has provided a fantastic opportunity for both the apprentices and the world of rail, and a fitting tribute to Tony.
“The new links with Netherhall Secondary School will hopefully see a newfound respect in the town for the railway station and surrounding areas, helping reduce anti-social behaviour.”
