Arbroath residents are being given the opportunity to be consulted on how surplus waiting rooms at the town’s train station should be used.

As part of a public consultation hosted by First ScotRail, representatives from the Angus Transport Forum and Gaia Architects will also be at Arbroath Station between 07.00 and 21.00 on Wednesday 5 March 2008.

First ScotRail’s "Adopt A Station" policy encourages the community to take an active part in plans for their stations – including their use by local groups. John Yellowlees, First ScotRail external relations manager, said "We’re looking forward to hearing some exciting ideas on Wednesday. “Having had proven success with the Adopt a Station scheme at other stations across Scotland, opening up the space to all sorts of local groups can really benefit the community. “

The consultation meeting on Wednesday forms part of the feasibility study undertaken by Gaia Architects and commissioned by First ScotRail and Forward Scotland, with the support of the Railway Heritage Trust.

As well as community groups from the Arbroath community, the station will also be the new home for the Angus Transport Forum.

Successful Adopt A Station initiatives have included the introduction of a cafe at Uddingston and Paisley Gilmour Street stations, flower displays at Kilwinning and Carrbridge and a bookshop at Pitlochry.