News: New Vision For Local Railways Launched

Monday, 22nd November 2004
(PR 1875)

The Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, today launched the Strategic Rail Authority's Community Rail Development Strategy.

The strategy seeks to build on the good practice already being carried out on many local rail lines. Lancashire supports the development of the community rail initiative and will fully play its part in implementing the strategy.

Richard Watts, Rail Officer for Lancashire County Council said

"Community rail is already a significant feature of Lancashire's rail network. Community rail partnerships are already in existence on four lines in Lancashire such as Wigan to Southport, Blackburn to Clitheroe and plans to extend the number are already being considered.

"The county council welcomes the Community Rail Development Strategy, we see this as an important development of the local rail network and a recognition of its importance. We will work with all agencies to ensure its success."

The strategy aims to increase patronage and revenue on community rail lines, to increase community involvement in the lines through community rail partnerships and friends of stations groups, and to manage the cost of operating community rail lines.

The strategy sets out a framework for taking forward Britain's local and rural railways as vital arteries of the local economy.

The Strategy has been given a warm welcome locally. Caroline Young, the West of Lancashire Community Rail Partnership Project Officer, said:

"We have been involved with the Strategy from the outset and are delighted that it has reached this stage. We see it as a positive way forward for local railways that often play a key role within communities but in the past have been overlooked. Our partnership members will continue to work closely with Train Operators, Network Rail and other agencies to make the strategy come to life"

The Association of Community Rail Partnerships, the federal body for rail partnerships, has given strong endorsement to the Strategy.

Dr Paul Salveson, general manager of ACoRP, said:

"We believe that this strategy will pave the way towards a strong, sustainable future for local railways enabling them to play an even more important part in the lives of their communities."

ACoRP has been closely involved in the development of the strategy and paid tribute to the Strategic Rail Authority and Department for Transport in launching an extensive consultation process.

Peter Roberts, Chair of ACoRP said:

"Over 300 responses were received during consultation on the Strategy. These well-informed and supportive comments helped to shape the final version of the strategy. We're delighted with it and we are ready to play our part in making things happen straight away."

Note to Editors:

For more details contact Caroline Young from the West of Lancashire Community Rail Partnership on 01772 533196.

For media enquiries only please contact: Martin Crabtree on 01772 533536

martin.crabtree@css.lancscc.gov.uk