CORBRIDGE Railway Station has become the latest on the Tyne Valley line to be adopted by members of the community.

Local residents and businesses have agreed to take over responsibility for the station from operators Northern in a bid to spruce up its appearance and improve the on-site facilities.

After an initial meeting held in the village last month showed there was enough interest from local people, Corbridge Station Group was formed and it held its first official meeting this week to discuss ways to progress plans.

The group will work initially under the banner of Visit Corbridge and will work closely with the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership.

As Corbridge village attracts a lot on visits from tourists year-on-year, the aim is to make their first port of call at the station a sight to remember. Corbridge Station Group secretary and treasurer, Liz Hagger, said: “The initial aim is to improve the appearance of the station, which for many visitors is the first impression of Corbridge.

“Planting will certainly be done, possibly using plants that were introduced in Roman times provided they are sufficiently decorative, easy to maintain and hardy enough to withstand the cold winds that whistle through the station!

“Amongst the group’s other priorities is the improvement of information provision and signage on both platforms, including detailed maps and information on heritage trails in the area and also covering a new walking trail which will go past the station. Signage from Corbridge to the station will also be updated.”

To further improve the station’s package, the group will be working with a local construction firm to provide a much-needed ramped access for wheelchairs and pushchairs to the westbound platform.

Corbridge Station Yard Ltd will construct four new homes on land at the adjacent Tinkler’s Yard within the next two years, with the ramp part of the development.

Mrs Hagger said: “This work has just begun and will take time and effort, but hopefully the results will do justice to the historic Corbridge Station.”

Corbridge Station Group is looking to promote the history of the village and is asking local people who may have old maps or photographs to get in touch at welcome@2thecrofts.co.uk