Thameslink's Cricklewood station partner celebrated at the House of Commons

One of Thameslink’s most successful station partners enjoyed a night at the House of Commons, along with local rail manager James Gillett, in recognition of the work they have done to develop the community spirit at the station and support the local area.

The Cricklewood Town Team was hosted by local MP Tulip Siddiqi in recognition of the work they have done around the town, in particular at the station.

Marie Hancock from the town team said: “The transformation of Cricklewood Station has undoubtedly been one of the highlights this year. At the time of signing the partnership agreement in March, the station was an uninviting location. Now the entrance is a vibrant community hub with a book exchange, mobile coffee cart and display of artwork by local artists.

"This year the station was the focus of the town centre with its own living Christmas tree, bespoke Christmas decorations made by local children and choirs ushering in the festive season while raising money for Cricklewood charities."

The benefits of the station partnership are not only the visual enhancements such as the striking Cricklewood sign created by local artist, Alistair Lambert, or the flowering garden with plants donated by local residents, but the reduction in anti-social behaviour which has engendered civic pride and resulted in a cleaner, brighter and safer environment.

Marie added: "Thanks to the support and encouragement of James, our plans now include extending the project to the platforms and involving local schools.”

Thameslink has over 60 station partnerships, where local groups adopt a station and work with the local team to help it help the community. This continues to be a growing success, with 22 stations adopted during 2016.

The work of Cricklewood station partnership won a silver in the “It’s Your Station” category of the Association of Community Rail Partnership awards last September.

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