Poet to serenada rail passengers

LONDON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A British train company’s decision to hire a poet to soothe stressed riders is being scorned by a commuter group, it was reported Monday.

The money spent by First Great Western to hire a poet for the platform would be better spent improving services, said Susan Westlake of Ox Rail Action. Passengers stressed over train delays are unlikely to be impressed by poetry readings, Westlake said.

Great Western has hired poet Sally Crabtree, 42, to give daily performances on platforms at eight stations including Oxford, the Daily Mail reported.

Crabtree will read from under a portable copper tree decorated with objects related to her poetry and songs. Passengers will be invited to choose an object and hand it to Crabtree, who in turn will serenade the passenger, the Mail reported.