Hebden Bridge Web

Latest news from the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership

Geoff and Sue Mitchell told the HebWeb, "It was truly surprising as we have been so busy with the station building project that our community projects went without any event hitches thanks to all our superb helpers and participants.

"All welcome to join our merry band - they do not have to know anything about trains or gardening. Just an interest in improving the gateway to the village and area - with a friendly group. Meet interesting people and perhaps make new friends - cost nowt and can be fun!"

'A few dafs'

The Association of Community Rail Partnerships say that their  first encounter with the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership was an e-mail, which read ‘we have planted a few dafs in the station and wondered if you might like to have a look.'

So began a 12-year association with the group. Starting with the few daffodils – it was in fact thousands of them, they progressed to regular station tidy-ups attracting large groups of volunteers, quite often in torrential rain and gales.

Station building

The group’s biggest and most significant project has been the renovation of a three-storey station building. The listed structure was closed to the public in the 1980s when new platforms were built.

Over a period of more than 20 years, the building became a dilapidated eyesore, but the station partnership continually said that there was “constant demand” from the local community to bring it back into use.

Community use

Having researched the market and engaged local stakeholders, the group developed a business case to convert the building for community use, and commissioned a full feasibility study. Initial plans included a marketplace of activities showcasing local businesses and start-ups, including space for a local food manufacturer, art studios and a community gallery, and a walking and cycling hub.

The Association of Community Rail Partnerships add, "It is what they have achieved, sometimes through great adversity, that makes them this year’s winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Rail Award.