COMMUNITY-MINDED youngsters are about to embark on a radical project aimed at injecting new life into a run down railway station.

Congleton Station has become the focus for a two-pronged campaign aimed at increasing local rail services and improving facilities at the station.

Rail bosses have come under fire after cutting Congleton's last direct InterCity link with London, and fears are mounting rail privatisation could see more cutbacks.

The lack of facilities at and appearance of the frequently-vandalised station have also sparked criticism, problems Congleton teenagers will help tackle.

Over the coming weeks the station entrance is due to blossom into life thanks to the efforts of youngsters from Congleton Community Projects.

Hanging baskets and scores of flowers are to be planted by the youngsters, who are joining forces with other groups in a bid to revitalise the station.

Regional Railways staff are due to repaint the dilapidated station buildings, inside and out, in the next two weeks, as part of the first of a planned seven-stage programme of improvements over the coming 12 months.

Security lighting, "Welcome to Congleton'' sign, landscaping and new station access are among numerous schemes earmarked for the station by a partnership of Congleton Town and Borough Councils, Railtrack, Cheshire County Council, Congleton Community Projects and Congleton Business Link.

"The flower planting scheme proves the local community is very committed to its railway station, which is very important for the town,'' said Jo King, from Congleton Community Projects. "Over the last few years the station has become tatty and in need of attention, and Congleton Community Projects, a group of community-minded local volunteers, are starting the ball rolling by helping in improving the station and area around it.''

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