REPRESENTATIVES of the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership have launched the first phase of new vinyls created to enhance the interior of Liss Railway Station.

Sixteen panels have been installed showing various images of the South Downs National Park to highlight the beauty and attractiveness of the surrounding area, while encouraging more people to visit East Hampshire by rail.

Funded by the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership, South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), South West Trains, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships and East Hampshire District Council, the artwork is the first phase of two to be installed.

The first phase provides images of the South Downs National Park, and the second phase, which is being developed, will include artwork and imagery created by Crossover Youth Centre members. Through additional funds via a grant from East Hampshire District Councillor Keith Budden, this will see a further dozen or so panels of art provided in the next few months on the opposite side of the booking hall.

This artwork is the latest improvement at Liss Railway Station initiated by the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership and volunteers over the last couple of years.

It complements the provision of new planters and tubs in the forecourt, better maintained flower beds, a new bench, enhanced onward travel information provision, historical railway information improvements and the provision of a model railway layout in the booking hall.

SDNPA chairman Magaret Paren said: “This is a great opportunity to brighten up the interior of Liss Station and showcase some wonderful locations across the South Downs National Park.”