Railway station's new mural 'deters vandalism'

The mural was created by local children and artists

A railway-themed mural to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour while celebrating a village's heritage has been unveiled.

The artwork at Fitzwilliam Station near Wakefield, called A Bridge Through Time, features paintings of the countryside and figures taking part in activities such as farming, mining, sports and music.

Morris Barrows, 78, chair of the Friends of Fitzwilliam Station, said the group wanted to make the station more pleasant for the people who use it.

Mr Barrows said: “There used to be a lot of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the station, but that has cut right down since we started putting artwork up.”

The project was funded by Wakefield Council and created by Edgelands Arts with the help of Fitzwilliam Primary School and King’s Meadows Academy.

Mr Barrows said the children enjoyed having their work displayed at the station.

He said: “We were keen to get the children involved in this project and create something the community can be proud of.

“Children have come around and bring their parents and grandparents and say ‘look, that’s what I did’ and they really enjoy it.”

Morris Barrows, chair of the Friends of Fitzwilliam Station, said the mural had deterred vandals

The Friends group consists of eight people who volunteer to improve and maintain the station.

Mr Barrows said: “Before we started the group, vandalism on the station was pretty bad but since we started putting artwork on it seems to cut the vandalism down quite a lot.

“A lot of windows on the shelter were broken and fences kept getting broken down.

“Now, it’s a much better place to go and catch trains.”

Inspiration for the artwork came from local people who chose topics they felt represented their communities.

Fitzwilliam was built to provide housing for workers at the Fitzwilliam Main colliery, and named after its owners at the time, the Earls Fitzwilliam of Wentworth Woodhouse.

Network Rail customer and community manager Sandy Lynch said the company hoped the artwork would continue to deter vandalism.

She said: “This artwork brightens the station, is community focussed and encourages people catch the train.

“Trespass and vandalism delays trains unnecessarily, causing costly delays. This mural is not only beautiful, but hopefully helps more trains run on time.”

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