Community rallies round to create tourist hub in Petersfield
THE community came together to breathe new life into an old parcel office at a railway station.
Volunteers from Havant-based Pfizer spent the day clearing out and painting the disused parcel office at Petersfield railway station. The office has been used as a storeroom for the past 10 years.
Volunteers planted flowers in giant pots outside the station.
The initiative was set up by the Community Rail Partnership – which comprises East Hampshire District Council, South West Trains, the South Downs National Park, and Hampshire County Council.
Mark Miller, from the Community Rail Partnership, said: ‘I am thrilled that we have so many volunteers helping us, from Pfizer, Community First and Petersfield Tesco who donated the flowers, paintbrushes and rollers.
‘This will move the project on quickly so that we are ready to open in August, providing a tourism hub.
‘We will have a member of staff and volunteers available to talk to visitors and guide them on their journeys in and around the South Downs National Park in East Hampshire. Through this we are encouraging more visitors to travel here by rail, bus, bike and on foot to discover the attractions in this beautiful area.’
The day was made possible by Community First. Janet Duggan, from the organisation, said: ‘It is fantastic to see businesses supporting community projects.’