WITH its bright, blooming flower beds, green grass and tidy platforms, Dronfield railway station looks good.
But it could have been a different story, were it not for a dedicated of a team of volunteers.
For years, Dronfield suffered from a skeleton train service and a dilapidated railway station.
However, in 2006, a group of villagers decided enough was enough and formed the Friends of Dronfield Station, with a mission to restore it.
Six years on, it has been transformed – and has just been crowned the Association of Community Rail Partnerships’ best station garden – the annual award aims to recognise the unsung heroes of the UK’s community rail world.
Green-fingered group members have installed a rustic bench, restored coal mining truck and created a patriotic floral display in red, white and blue colours.
A second area, the triangle, a section of Network Rail-controlled land, has also been cleared and planted to create a wild flower meadow.
Volunteers give up their spare time to keep the station looking good and their work, along with lobbying from Natascha Engel, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, has helped ensure the new Nottingham to Leeds train service calls at Dronfield hourly.
Chris Sabian is owner of http://www.thedoginn.biz a directory for Dog Friendly Accomodation, Pubs, Beaches & More. Browse the UK’s most popular directory of dog friendly accommodation, pubs, beaches and days out
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