|
http://www.abbeyline.org.uk/
In November 2004 the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) – now Department for Transport Rail, published its Community Rail Development Strategy, to try and place loss-making but socially important railway lines on a more sustainable footing.
As part of this strategy, the St Albans to Watford line has been selected to become one of the UK's first designated 'Community Railways'
The main objectives of the 'Community Rail' concept are:
- To increase passenger volume and income
- To manage down the cost of running the line now and in the future, without compromising safety or service
- To involve the local community more closely in the development of its railway
Integral to the designation of the line as a Community Railway has been the setting up of the 'Community Rail Partnership' (CRP). The Abbey Line CRP seeks fundamentally to make the line and the service more attractive to the local community, thereby increasing its use. Activities are many and varied but include things such as:
- Marketing and promotion through leaflets, posters, public displays
- Small-scale station enhancements such as installation of cycle racks, resurfacing of footpaths, dropped kerbs
- Restoration of the redundant Bricket Wood station building for community use
- Better signage to stations
- Special themed trains
The CRP is being funded by Herts County Council but other 'lead partners' include St Albans City and District Council, Watford Borough Council, Silverlink Trains, and the Abbey Flyer users group (ABFLY).
Any local organisation or business is encouraged to join the Community Rail Partnership.
If you are an individual, you are encouraged to do so by joining ABFLY. See their website www.abfly.org.uk/Join.htm for more details.
If you are a business or community group, we invite you to become a corporate member. Please contact Alissa Ede, CRP officer, by e-mail crp@hertscc.gov.uk,
or tel: 07770 993162.
 Community Rail Week 2007
Abbey Line Community Partnership Newsletter
|
