ROTARY CLUB OF CHURCH AND OSWALDTWISTLE

THE Church and Oswaldtwistle railway station is now in full bloom, with both platforms awash with colourful begonias. With the long, hot, dry summer giving way to much needed rain, it has done wonders in giving the flowers an impressive appearance.

Local Rotary members and friends of Rotary for the past three years have turned up at the station every Saturday morning throughout spring, summer and autumn to ensure that this station is seen as one of the best kept stations on the whole line from Blackpool to Colne.

The objective of the railway project was to ensure that the appearance outside the station, and all approaches to the platforms, together with both the long platforms, was transformed from a very much neglected state. Outside the station, overgrown foliage and weeds had to be removed, then four tonnes of gravel chippings were placed on top, finished off with a wooden border.

A tunnel leading to the platforms was given a much needed coat of paint and the roof was fitted with steel mesh to prevent pigeon roosting.

Across the road opposite the station was an area in a dilapidated state of repair, which in bygone years held the gas meters and fallen masonry had been dislodged.

This was repaired, taking many days to complete, then a steel door was fixed to prevent further access, preventing possible vandalism.

Both platforms were covered in weeds from one end to the other, without doubt removal and continued removal has been a monumental job.

However it is very pleasing to see that both platforms now look in pristine condition and it really is an impressive sight.

Shrubbery removal and painting on both platforms has been carried out with good effect.

Passenger shelters have replaced the old barrel roof shelters, which very much complements the grand appearance of the station.

Extra planters on both platforms, together with two planters outside the station, allow for these to be filled with flowers - which is very much the pride of the station appearance.

Local residents who do not frequent the railway station should take the opportunity of having a look at the work that has been ongoing for three years.

Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary are very appreciative of the work done by club members and Friends of Rotary. In addition a great deal of help has come from Brian Haworth, community rail development officer, Northern Rail and Graham West and Mark Lenton from ISS.

Without doubt this has been and continues to be a successful project.

In conclusion we are short of volunteers to help carry out ongoing work at the station – like weeding, sweeping etc – and we would welcome local residents to undertake one or more Saturday mornings between 10am until noon.

Any lady or gentleman interested should contact Michael Jackson on 01254 200283.