A celebration was held to mark the completion of the new murals at Hamworthy station. Painted  by a group of young people from the local community the murals were the brainchild of Ann Khambatta, our  Community worker,  who died in January.

Mel Lucas, our new Community worker  took on the task of bringing Ann’s plan to life.  Mel worked with the youngsters and two local graffiti artists at a series of workshops. After gathering ideas and planning the work they finally got to put their artworks on the station wall and platform windows. The next step is to paint the public tunnel.

The project is supported by SWR, through its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund. This  benefits people who live near and use SWR stations by encouraging local communities to get involved in improving their appearance.

Mel said “It has been a great opportunity to improve the feel of Hamworthy station and for the young people involved the impact has been immediate and so positive. We have had many compliments from both residents and train passengers who say how much it has brightened their day. We have also been pleased by the reaction from staff in and around the station who have been involved in conversations about placing the planters and ongoing developments of the artwork. A really fun project that has had so many benefits, thanks to Mind the Gap for the funding to make it all possible!”

Paula Aldridge, SWR’s Community Rail Manager said “We are delighted to have helped the local community at Hamworthy to make their station a brighter and more welcoming place. Other local stations in the area will soon start to see improvements thanks to the Mind the Gap scheme”.