As the Design Stage progresses for the provision of lifts at Handforth Train Station, plans continue for making the station more inclusive in other areas. The Friends of Handforth Station are hoping to welcome new rail users who have previously found rail travel from the station difficult.
Jenny Barnes, the Chair and the Arts Coordinator of FoHS, said, “Most of us welcome the return of the noise and bustle of life as the pandemic restrictions ease, but we must remember that some of our community find life’s excitement challenging. We want to make our station more friendly for them.”
The FoHS have partnered with the Seashell Trust, who support students with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and additional communication needs.
Jenny added, “The Seashell Trust have been wonderful advocates of our campaign for step-free access. They have also helped us understand what inclusivity means for their students.”
The Seashell Trust (headquartered near the border between Handforth and Cheadle Hulme) asked the fibreglass sculptor Kristian Movahed to create a soothing and reassuring seat for their students. The curvaceous and welcoming Avoseat was born.
The FoHS are now proposing to install a similar Avoseat on the Handforth Station concourse outside the ticket office.
Kristian Movahed, a fiberglass specialist who has contributed to Manchester’s Bee in the City, will be visiting Handforth Station with his Avoseat on Wednesday 26th May between 10.30am and 1.30pm. “Please come along, have a look and tell us what you think,” he said.
