Students help to tidy upRye railway station area

Overgrown shrubs and vegetation outside the station had been encroaching on foot paths and creating a rodent problem said Rye councillors.

Kevin Barry, the Community Rail Development Officer for the Marshlink line, said: “Rye Studio School is one of three station partners working with Sussex Community Rail Partnership to look to improve the station by bringing the arts into the station and in this particular case, using overgrown shrubs as a way of helping visitors to Rye and the local residents feel efforts are being made by the students to show they are proud of their town.”

He added: “It is excellent the way the students have engaged with us to show off their skills and make improvements to the station and surrounding land for everyone to enjoy.

“Not only did the students come up with the ideas but they also managed to secure the services of a local business, Eagle Trees , to come and do the cutting giving their time and efforts for free.

“When the community come together like this to get involved with their local station visitors come back to see what else is changing which is good for everyone.

“Our other two partners, The School Creative Centre and Friary Gardeners are soon to have displays at the Station. These will include paintings, plants and flowers.

“Each month there will be a different theme. Watch out for an eight foot tall witch for Halloween.”

The efforts have been praised by the Rye Mayor.