THE long-derelict sensory garden at Swindon train station has now been removed to allow British Transport Police to have a firm presence at the site.

Efforts to maintain the small fenced-off patch of concrete, previously filled with a handful of flower pots and a couple of wooden benches, have failed despite ongoing talks for around two years with a local florist.

The garden has been largely unused for years, and Louise Joachim, of Wendy House Flowers, approached the station manager towards the end of 2013 to offer her services.

At the time a First Great Western spokesman said they would welcome any local business offering to rejuvenate the garden, but after months of enquiries, Louise had no positive offers forthcoming.

Now the garden has been removed as First Great Western plans a number of improvements, including bringing police officers back to the station.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: “To make way for further improvements at the station, including the return of the British Transport Police to an on site location, it has not been possible to maintain the sensory garden at its current location.”

Florist Louise had been keen to revitalise the area after her son developed a keen interest in trains, and she found herself spending hours on the platforms.

“There should be things people can touch and smell, where they can indulge themselves,” she said, setting out her ideas. It could be a quiet little haven where people have a place to enjoy nature.

“I just think it should be somewhere people can enjoy. It would not just be pretty flowers – I want to make the garden live up to its name. I want it to appeal to all the senses, so I would like to grow flowers, herbs and fruit plants.

“The train station is people’s first impression of Swindon, and I want it to be pretty spectacular.”

The company has indicated there could still be a role for Louise, as developments will include some new cosmetic work.

The spokesman said: “Recognising the role that rail plays to the local community and to the economy, we will continue to work to ensure that the station remains a bright and inviting environment.”