Locals decorate bus stop with uplifting themes

COMMUNITY/CULTURE

A bus stop in Fowey, England, has been receiving artistic makeovers from creative locals for two decades. It’s dubbed the Pretty Bus Stop on Lankelly Lane in Cornwall and was given its first makeover by Jane Tinsley after it became a target for anti-social behaviour.

Over the next twenty years the stop has been decorated as a tea room, a yacht race, a library, and even donned an Elvis theme at one point.

Volunteers step forward to redesign the grotto a couple of times each year, especially during the winter. Sarah Worne, the artist behind the new plant-themed design, has been helping keep the tradition alive since 2021.

The latest theme is called Thyme to Stop, and features real — and painted — pots of seedlings and plants.

“It was cold coming into February and everybody needed warming up, so we have made it look like you are sitting in a green house. It is just trying to bring a bit of warmth as you are sitting there waiting for a bus,” says Worne. “I am always liking to keep busy and always liking to do things that just make people smile. And, just for the fun of it.”

The bus stop even has its own Facebook page, with more than 2,700 followers, and features many looks over the years.

“We like to delegate and engage with the local community,” she adds. “I have challenged Fowey River Lions to do a design — and they are having a go this year at Easter.”

Worne has thought about decorating other bus stops but hasn’t yet taken the time to talking to the owners.

“The bus stop in Fowey is actually owned by the town council. You do have to work out who owns the bus stops and I haven’t gone down that route — but I certainly got my eye on a couple of other bus stops that could do with brightening up.”

TOP The bus stop’s latest design ‘Thyme to Stop’

ABOVE TOP Various iterations of bus stop makeovers over the years

PHOTOS SWNS

It was cold coming into February and everybody needs warming up, so we have made it look like you are sitting in a green house. It is just trying to bring a bit of warmth as you are sitting there waiting for a bus. I am always liking to keep busy and always liking to do things that just make people smile. And, just for the fun of it.

Sarah Worne

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