The Partnership had a fascinating presentation from Catherine Kingdom about the great work being done by the Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) Education Team.
Catherine explained about some of the major projects being delivered including Try The Train for Northern and Feel Good Field Trips for Avanti West Coast. In addition, Catherine talked about the West Lancashire Try the Train project which is being funded separately and asked members if they were aware of any groups that could benefit from taking part in this project. Suggestions can be sent to Catherine by email at catherine.kingdom@communityraillancashire.co.uk . A copy of her presentation can be viewed by clicking here.
Richard Watts, the Partnership secretary, gave an update on the CRPs Action Plan. This included continuing to develop links with Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Martin Mere site and promoting the ‘Explore Lancashire By Rail’ film which shows the walking route between Burscough Stations and Martin Mere. New brown signs showing the route to Mere Sands Wood, Rufford should shortly be going up and will compete this project. The CRP continues to promote the walking route from Rufford Station to Mere Sands Wood which can be viewed using the following link: https://communityraillancashire.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rufford-to-Mere-Sands-Wood-Leaflet.pdf
The Partnership also continues to work with the Community Payback Team and Burscough St John’s RC Primary School to improve the disused platform at Burscough Junction. Station volunteers also helped to distribute the ‘mini timetables’ for the Preston to Ormskirk line.
The Friends of Burscough Stations and the friends of Hoscar and Parbold station gave an update on the projects they have ben carrying out to make their stations look more welcoming for passengers.
Richard’s presentation can be viewed by clicking here.
Simon Abbott, Community & Sustainability Manager, updated the meeting on Northern’s activities. Simon discussed some of the issues facing Northern and how they are affecting performance and reliability but also some of the successes such as the introduction of the Yorkshire Dales Explorer, between Rochdale/Manchester and Ribblehead via Bolton and Blackburn. Simon talked about Community Rail Week and the many events that took place across the 4 Lancashire CRPs including the successful open day at Accrington Station. He also reminded station partnerships that funding is available from the Station Adoption Fund. Northern’s presentation can be viewed here.
Mike Cliffe, from Lancashire County Council and Ian Davis, from the Community Rail Network were unable to attend the meeting but sent in reports which can be viewed here.