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Monday 14 Mar 2016

Pupils make history at transformed Port Talbot Parkway railway station

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

School children made history on Friday 11 March when they buried a time capsule at the newly transformed Port Talbot Parkway station.

Children from all year groups at Central Primary School have been busy creating and collecting memorabilia to put in a time capsule which was buried in the station grounds to mark the £11m transformation of the station as part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better, more reliable railway for passengers.

The school council enjoyed a tour of the new station facilities and had the opportunity to ask members of the project team questions about the construction process.

Gareth Woodruff, senior commercial scheme sponsor for Network Rail Wales, said: ‘‘Regenerating the station provides the community with a station they can be proud of and also acts as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, helping to boost the economy locally in the future. We were delighted to be able to show some of the local school children around the new facilities and bury the time capsule they thoughtfully prepared.’’

The pupils were also joined by Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock for the time capsule ceremony.

Jessica James, Deputy Headteacher of Central Primary School said: “The whole school has been involved in this project and the children have been very enthusiastic about taking part.

‘‘They’ve enjoyed choosing what to place in the time capsule which includes fashion, music, sport and school memorabilia which will depict their lives to someone who may open it in 100 years’ time. We hope future generations from Port Talbot will one day discover it and learn about life in 2016.’’

The regeneration of the station, part of the Wales Station Improvement Scheme, is expected to be completed over the coming months. It is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Arriva Trains Wales and Tata Steel. 

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