Community rail partnership could be formed in South Cambs

By Matthew Gooding Thursday, March 7, 2013
8:27 AM

A COMMUNITY rail partnership with local businesses could be formed in South Cambridgeshire.

Train operator First Capital Connect has approached the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group to explore the possibility of forming the partnership, which could see businesses funding projects to benefit commuters.

County councillor Susan van de Ven, who chairs the group, explained: “This could involve opportunities for local businesses, for example advertising on the rail network in exchange for incentives to travel to our villages by rail rather than by car.

“We are also hoping that a Community Rail Partnership could help progress our long-standing goal of better disabled access at Meldreth Station, something we have been working on together with Meldreth Manor School for several years now.

“The County Council has been very supportive all along and we’d like to thank them – there is a growing recognition of the importance of rail as a form of local public transport, at a time when bus services are diminishing.”

The Rail User Group’s AGM will take place on Wednesday, March 13, starting at 7.30pm at Meldreth Manor School. A spokesman from the British Transport Police is set to address the meeting on a special role they have undertaken to mitigate risk-taking at level crossings.