Community Safety, Lollipops and a Ginger Cat

I met British Transport Police PCSO Mike Norris and Newtown Street Pastors Secretary Fiona Covington-Mann in Platform 1 Community Cafe a couple of weeks ago. The Cafe was unexpectedly busy after a lorry struck a bridge at Caersws, delaying services and leaving passengers waiting. Platform 1 stepped in to look after people while they waited, a vivid reminder of how the railway often becomes a community hub in a crisis. I spoke to an older gentleman who was doing some drawing in Platform 1 with Katie one of the trustees. He seemed very concerned about the cost of the bridge being hit and its impact on travellers. More on this in a later blog.

A big ginger cat who appeared to have adopted Platform 1 was ‘patrolling’ the station and allowing people to fuss him before settling down for a sleep.

Mike updated us on what he was doing on the Cambrian Line. We were both looking forward to the Ffestiniog Bygones Weekend at the beginning of October, and agreed that it would be good to be out talking to people about what we are doing. Mike is based in Machynlleth but covers the Cambrian line.

Fiona explained about Newtown Street Pastors. They patrol the town centre on Saturday nights from 10pm to 2am, offering practical help and emotional support to anyone in need. They work closely with door staff and the police, focusing on vulnerable people whether they have drunk too much, feel distressed, or simply need someone to talk to. The initiative follows the national Street Pastors model that began in Brixton in 2003 and was commissioned in Newtown in 2008. Fiona said they use lollipops as a distraction method which is very effective.

This meeting marked the first of what will be regular catch-ups with BTP to strengthen our working relationship along the Cambrian Line. Fiona and I had only previously exchanged emails about an idea she proposed: an afternoon pastor presence at Tywyn station to support young people during the gap between school finishing and their train departures. The proposed Tywyn pilot would place trained volunteers on the platform in the late afternoon twice a week. This would be done in conjunction with other organisations based in Tywyn. I shared some ideas and contacts so that she could contact them about her ideas.

We agreed to meet in a month's time for another catch up. This time in Machynlleth. It will be great to see how things have moved on.