Persistent vandalism is just one of the problems that one of Tenby Train Station’s volunteers - tasked with looking after the facility is faced with most weeks.

John Perrett a regular visitor to Tenby who hails from Caerphilly took over station adoption duties at the seaside town three years ago, volunteering to offer his help after finding that he had more and more complaining to do to rail authorities about the poor appearance of the facility - many holidaymakers’ first impression of the resort.

“There is continuing vandalism to the station building which no one seems to be bothered with,” John told the Observer.

“Last month Transport For Wales installed six new planters - three on each platform, but unfortunately some of these were vandalised within days of being installed!

“The summer security patrol are due to start once the welfare cabin is installed, and the revenue protection officers have also started random visits.”

John said with the help of fellow volunteer Jim Cornwell, he has finally refitted two paintings to the station building windows.

All the station’s signs have now also been replaced with the TFW branded ones.

“The east end barrow crossing has now been removed ready for the new lift and footbridge installation next year. The west end crossing will remain in case there are problems with the lifts,” explained John.

“New cycle racks were installed last month on platform one, but so far I have only seen one bike left there!” continued John, who took on the station adoption duties as he wanted to give something back to the community in Tenby due to the town being so welcoming towards him over the years.

Even though John regularly stays in Tenby, he said many have stated that he ‘must be nuts’ to sometimes undertake a 200 mile round trip just to water the plants!

John said that should anybody have suggestions for minor improvements to please contact him.

“I have to regularly file a report about the station condition, so I can pass on any suggestions,” he added.

You can contact John either through Facebook or via email at: [email protected] putting ‘Tenby Rail Station’ in the subject heading.

A spokesperson for Transport for Wales Rail Services said: “Making stations welcoming, bright and safe places is incredibly important to our customers and communities.

“We know our stations are often the gateway to those communities and the first impressions visitors get of a place so we want to make a real effort to get them looking their best.”