A GRANDMOTHER-of-one feels ‘let down’ after being told she cannot continue gardening at a train station she has maintained for three years.

Val Houghton, of Green Hall Close, Atherton, has been ordered to stop her green-fingered duties at Atherton railway station after previously being given permission.

The 73-year-old, who maintains hanging baskets which provide tributes to around 12 people with ‘Remember Me’ signs as well as three gardens, has been told she cannot do the work anymore on the grounds of health and safety.

Estate agent owner Val said: “I feel let down and under-appreciated by the station’s management.

“Even though I was close to the train track when I was doing the gardening work, I was always careful and checked with the staff what time the next train was due to pass through.

“The Remember Me tributes are important to people and I get lots of comments about how nice it looks.

“I am losing sleep about what will happen to the state of the plants at the moment because they could die if they are not watered enough.

“I want to take them out and put them at a different location where people can visit them but I am not even allowed to do that at the moment.”

Northern Railway, who run the station, has defended its stance on the decision to ban Val from doing the gardening work.

A spokesman said: “We think what Val has done at the station is really lovely.

“However, it is very dangerous for her to be working so close to the line.

“We will be in contact with Val about making arrangements to move the plants.”