SCRP and Southern launch Community Rail on the West Coastway

Communities along the railway line from Hove to Angmering can now get more involved with their local railway and stations.

A new Community Rail Partnership was launched on Friday 22^nd June for the busy West Coastway line which passes through Worthing and Adur. The Sussex Community Rail Partnership (SCRP) in partnership with train operating company Southern, will work with community groups, schools, businesses and local action groups to enhance railway stations and support local communities along the line.

Shoreham Port Authority hosted the launch, which brought together local authorities, station managers, and many community groups who all want to work positively together towards more sustainable travel.

Community rail is already active along the line. Shoreham Port’s community team has partnered Southwick station, working with the community to create poetry displays, as well as local youth group Concordia to install eye-catching artwork.

Angmering station has just signed a station partnership agreement bringing together Georgian Gardens school and four other community groups to create an art / gardening display at the station.

Hawthorn School in Durrington also recently signed up as station partners, producing owl-themed art displays.

Tim Barkley, Chairman of SCRP Ltd, said, “SCRP is honoured to have the opportunity to bring community rail to this new line. We are very much looking forward to working with communities, Southern and Network Rail staff towards a better, more sustainable local railway between Angmering and Hove.

“We welcome approaches from local community groups, schools, businesses and other potential partners who have ideas about improving their stations.”

Andy Harrowell, Southern’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: “We are pleased to be working with SCRP to set up this new community rail partnership between Hove and Angmering.

“Together with SCRP we’ve been able to introduce art and gardening partnerships at many stations across their existing lines, jointly providing try the train events, increasing the confidence of groups with disabilities with rail travel, as well as delivering our award winning Go-Learn education programme to over 17,000 youngsters.

“I would also like to thank Shoreham Port for providing the room and refreshments for this important meeting.”