15 Apr 2024
The Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership is proud to announce the installation of two captivating pieces of artwork aimed at promoting rail safety, a project that emerged from a collaborative effort between Transport for Wales, British Transport Police (BTP), and Ysgol Christ the Word Catholic School.
In the wake of a recent youth trespass incident at the station, PCSO Hall initiated a partnership with talented local graffiti artist Andy Birch and the creative minds of students from Ysgol Christ the Word Catholic School. This initiative aimed not only to address rail safety concerns but also foster community engagement and empower young minds through art.
Over the span of two days, a total of 25 pupils, aged 7-11 years old, worked closely with artist Andy Birch and PCSO Hall to bring their visions of rail safety to life. Their creative expressions have culminated in two stunning pieces of artwork that not only beautify the station but also serve as poignant reminders of the importance of rail safety for all passengers.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment and collaboration between British Transport Police, Transport for Wales, and Groundwork North Wales (host of the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership), the artwork now adorns the walls of Rhyl railway station, serving as a beacon of safety awareness for all who pass through its corridors.
PCSO Hall said: “I’m grateful to Transport for Wales, Groundwork North Wales and Andy for enabling this engagement with the local school children to take place, allowing us to share our message of staying safe and behaving appropriately on the railway. The artwork is excellent and will be seen by thousands of passengers in years to come, something the kids should be proud of.”
Melanie Lawton Community Rail Strategic Lead said: “We want our stations to feel connected and be part of the community, this project and the fantastic artwork installed by children and young people is a lovely welcome for passengers and visitors to the town whilst encouraging vitally important safety information.”
The unveiling of the rail safety artwork at Rhyl railway station marks yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and community well-being in the region. Passengers are encouraged to take a moment to admire the artwork and reflect on the importance of safety while traveling by rail.
Notes to editors
1. Community rail is a grassroots movement spanning Britain that is made up of community rail partnerships, which work along railway lines or across regions, and volunteer station ‘friends’ groups, to connect communities with their railways. There are over 75 community rail partnerships and 1,200 station friends volunteer groups across Britain www.communityrail.org.uk
2. The Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership is an accredited Community Rail Partnership, awarded by the Community Rail Network, Department for Transport and Welsh Government.
As a Community Rail Partnership our aims are to provide a voice for the community, promote sustainable, healthy, and accessible travel, bring communities together and supporting diversity and inclusion and supporting social and economic development.
