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Monday 23 Aug 2004

NETWORK RAIL ASSISTS SALFORD COMMUNITY PROJECT

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A community project got a helping hand from Network Rail when the company gave permission for residents to paint a mural on one of its walls. The Irwell Valley Housing Association contacted Network Rail after residents complained about a boundary wall on Strawberry Road, Salford, which had been vandalised by youths. Repairs to the wall were promptly carried out but the Housing Association contacted Network Rail again to discuss the possibility of painting a community mural on the wall to discourage vandals and improve the immediate environment. Network Rail then met with the Housing Association to discuss the project and see how we could assist them in their aims. The proposed design was four Lowry type pictures depicting scenes of terraced housing throughout the four seasons, which the community felt would reflect the local area. The project began earlier this month and residents of all ages met to provide their skills and add their own touches to the mural. It was the start of a much larger community scheme to clean up the vicinity and develop the communal areas, which had begun to look neglected. - more - Strawberry Road - 2             A Network Rail spokesman said: “Network Rail is not only committed to providing a safe and efficient railway we also take our responsibilities as lineside neighbours very seriously and as a company we will try to be as considerate as possible.  “Although it is not always possible to become involved with community projects we felt that the Strawberry Road scheme had an obvious benefit to residents, the local area and the railway as a whole.”