The Station adoption group, Friends of Wellington Station, are delivering exciting programmes of work to improve access, environment, and information through this project.
The practical and visionary plans include improving access to the station via the steps from the bus station, installation of refillable water points on the platforms, signage highlighting local walks and the creation of a ‘Secret Garden’ which has been designed as a haven for wildlife and biodiversity as well as being a quiet space for passengers and town centre users to enjoy on a daily basis.
Colourful floral and art welcome displays will also be installed on the platforms as well as a year-round growing of herbs and vegetables as part of the Incredible Edible movement.
As the title suggests, the project will also promote Wellington as a gateway for walking and cycling and the routes from the station will be highlighted by means of information display boards and leaflet dispensers. There will also be clear signage to walking routes on both platforms featuring the 'Wellington and the Wrekin Forest Walks'.
The local ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ volunteer group has been central in the visioning for the ‘Wellington Ways’ and both Telford and Wrekin Council and Wellington Town Council have been invaluable contributors to this market town rail project.
Wellington Ways
Who is involved in your project?
The Friends of Wellington Station, Wellington Walkers are Welcome (WWAW), Telford and Wrekin Council, Wellington Town Council and Love Wellington – it’s a real community project!
What inspired you?
A number of things - Fay Easton herself got the 'Friends of Wellington Station' off the ground. Promoting the station as a 'Gateway for Walking' has been a WWAW priority for a decade. Making the most of this great asset in the middle of our town - and the responses the group got from residents and passengers by planting lavender beds, litter picking and general sprucing and tidying of the Station spurred us on to want to improve the station and the visitor experience further.
Describe the project in one sentence.
Wellington Ways will put the station at the centre of the ‘Wellington welcome’ to visitors - encouraging greater numbers of visitors using sustainable transport and granting access to all the town has to offer as well as the extensive and varied walking routes throughout the local countryside including the Wrekin Forest.
Improved and safer accessibility and signage, maps information boards and waymarks, and, through the secret garden, an oasis of nature at our station will all feature as part of the project.
What will communities gain from your project?
A resource in our town to feel rightly proud of. Increased footfall and hence income for businesses within the town centre and throughout our local network of walking routes.
How will you measure success?
Visitor numbers to our many shops, cafes and pubs; increased demand for local walking guides which will be available free at the station and social media engagement.
