Time for change: Thameslink station partnership revitalises Cricklewood

(Picture caption) Clock this: Representatives from Thameslink, the Cricklewood Town Team, The King's Parade, Cricklewood Patrons, Brookpace Lascelles, Network Rail and the Child’s Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team (Barnet) celebrate the new Cricklewood Station Partnership

A stylish station clock, flowerbeds and children’s art display are just some of the improvements the Cricklewood Town Team has in store for Cricklewood station, which it has just adopted in association with train operator Thameslink.

Cricklewood is Thameslink’s first Station Partnership north of London and members of the local town team, Thameslink, Network Rail and other partners came together to officially mark the agreement.

The partnership has already started to transform the area outside the station: with the help of Thameslink’s station manager, James Gillett, and Network Rail, the previously overgrown and littered area is being turned into a new garden.

And other locals have been involved in the work, including local business Brookpace Lascelles, which has donated a brand new station clock.

Marie Hancock, member of the Cricklewood Town Team, said:

“As local residents and voluntary members of the Cricklewood Town Team, we are delighted to be involved in adopting our station with the help of James. Our first challenge is clearing the site and removing the graffiti.

“We are planning to smarten up the entrance to the station with planting, bespoke signs and a new station clock, as well as putting up a display on the railings for art from local schoolchildren. We’ve had such wonderful support from everyone so far and the work is already starting to turn some heads.”

Station manager James Gillett said:

“I am amazed by the work we’ve been able to do together so far. The section of land next to the station had been a real eyesore. Already we can see the difference the group is making; their ideas and the addition of the clock, are wonderful.”

Station Partnerships are agreements between the rail operator and community groups to build on-going relationships to develop stations together, in ways tailored to the individual area. Through work with Community Rail Partnerships and other groups, Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern now have almost 50 station partnerships, ranging from maintaining gardens and planters at stations to showcasing art produced by local schools.

Thameslink is keen to establish more station partnerships and is able to offer small funds to support setting these up.

For more information contact Andy Harrowell, Community Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, at Andrew.harrowell@gtrailway.com