MEMBERS of a growing grassroots rail movement are looking forward to supporting local recovery in Wales as the country begins to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Figures from a Community Rail Network report, sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, highlight that more than 1,100 volunteers give 50,000 hours annually, valued at £4.3 million, to support social inclusion and wellbeing, sustainable and healthy travel, economic development and tourism in their area. Wales and the Borders’ six community rail partnerships and 140 station friends groups engage local people with their railways and stations, working with train operators, local authorities and other partners. Their activities include volunteering, community gardening, food growing and biodiversity projects at stations; community arts and heritage projects to help people learn about and take pride in their area; working with rail industry partners towards improvements and integration, such as shelters, signage or pedestria
Friends of Honiton Station support economic growth
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Community volunteers important role in supporting rail
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ScotRail and the ‘ScotFail’ social media backlash facing the Scottish Government’s takeover team
© Kris Miller
News of the Scottish Government nationalising ScotRail services will have left many with mixed feelings.
For the thousands of social media savvy commuters, who made their displeasure known daily through the “ScotFail” hashtag, it may have come as a relief.
But others familiar with previous government takeovers, such as the huge sums poured into Prestwick Airport, fear millions more could be spent with no guarantee of an improved service.
It follows the decision to end the contract with Abellio three years earlier than expected.