Ore station has been an unwelcoming place for many years.
The palisade fencing and general neglect did not present a welcoming environment.
The aim was a community-led initiative to create a garden, grow flowers and plants, involve children and youngsters in designing artwork, and provide a nicer station.
Community gardener Suzanne Horgan worked tirelessly to encourage people to get involved.
This included residents who gave up their time and effort to clear the land and build a new garden.
She also engaged with the various rail organisations who provided people and labour on their volunteer days.
Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail staff helped provide the basic garden plot during Community Rail Week in May 2024; Volker Fitzpatrick employees braved Storm Bert in November 2024 to clear a wider area.
Suzanne led a children’s art project to provide colourful designs for boards along the length of the fencing on one platform and letters spelling out “Friends of Ore Station” on the other platform.
Ore station is a much more welcoming place.
Residents and passengers have noticed the improvements and the whole area is now much more attractive.
Ore tunnel was closed for repairs in late October/early November 2024 and rail staff donated equipment and time to give back to the community following the disruption caused by the works.
Marshlink community rail partnership nominated Suzanne Horgan for an award. She was presented with an Individual Excellence Award by Hastings Voluntary Action in November 2024.
"We wanted to help with the community garden to leave a lasting legacy for local residents, to make an impact for the whole community. We are committed to being considerate constructors and working with residents in partnership”