Community rail projects have been given the go-ahead thanks to funding from West Midlands Railway (WMR).
Grants of up to £10,000 were made available through the latest round of WMR’s “Your Community, Your Fund” scheme, funded by the Department for Transport. The scheme is aimed at inspiring people to get involved with the railway and supporting established groups with projects which benefit both rail passengers and local communities.
Projects approved include ‘Green Haven’ led by the station adopters at Smethwick Rolfe Street. Working in conjunction with the local community bedders and planters will be installed along with artwork which reflects the history of the area.
The funding is split between projects from WMR and its sister company London Northwestern Railway (LNR). Applications closed in September and all projects must be completed by March 2024.
Cara Higgs, community strategy manager at WMR, said:
“I am delighted that we have received funding for vital company projects which will enhance their local areas.
“Community work is crucial for the railway and I am looking forward to seeing the completed projects once they have finished next year.”
In previous years, completed projects from the WMR and LNR networks have included the opening of a new tea room at Bricket Wood station in Hertfordshire, new art boards at Tyseley station in Birmingham and a sensory garden designed by girl guides at Stone in Staffordshire.
Image credit: West Midlands Railway
