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Mural brightens up platform at Swale Halt Station

Graham working on some of the panels.

Kent Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has been working with local artist Graham Upton on the creation of a new mural on the platform at Swale Halt Station.

Graham has been working on the mural on Swale Halt’s platform, next to the Kingsferry Bridge, since the beginning of October, creating designs that promote the many places people can visit along the Swale Rail Line, which runs between Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

Graham, who went to the former Kent Institute of Art and Design, has previously painted murals at Maidstone Bus Station as well as Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Strood railway stations.

The award-winning artist was helped on the project at Swale Halt by students at Sheppey College, who came up with some of the design ideas. Graham worked closely with student Lacie on a panel she specially designed to reflect equality and diversity.

Bringing Lacie’s design to life at Swale Halt.

This isn’t the first time Kent CRP has worked with the students from Sheppey College – last year they helped the CRP to plant an area at Kemsley Station, as well as constructing two planters at Sittingbourne Station and two benches with planting boxes at Queenborough Station around three years ago.

In order for the mural project at Swale Halt to go ahead, Councillor Cameron Beart allocated part of his council grant last year to Kent CRP to brighten up the station.

Councillor Beart said: “We are trying to brighten up the whole Sittingbourne to Sheerness line with both art and planting, and there are murals planned for other stations.

“It was the first time I have been granted funds to spend on a project off the Island, but as the gateway to Sheppey by rail, I am pleased it will give visitors a warm welcome.”

Part of the mural at Swale Halt Station. Photo credit: Kent CRP.

Andy Place, Projects Officer for the Swale Rail Line, said: “Swale Halt is one of the five least used stations in Kent. Despite this, we take pride in all our stations, and we were delighted that artist Graham Upton has been able to work on the mural project. It really does convey the natural landscape and local attractions surrounding the station and the line.

“Thank you to our funders which included Community Rail Network, Councillors Cameron Beart and Steve Davey from Swale Borough Council, and John Wright from Kent County Council. I think everyone will agree it is such a stunning mural!”

Keep up to date with future events and projects from Kent CRP via their website.