Community rail partnerships encourage sustainable development, says report

A NEW report produced by the Community Rail Network with support from the Rail Delivery Group says local partnerships can stimulate sustainable development. The report illustrates how sustainable development relies heavily on community-level activities and engagement. Various projects which respond to local needs are mentioned in the report, including the support of local economies provided by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership, along with many CRPs supporting recovery from the pandemic. Petersfield and Swaythling stations in Hampshire are offering ‘Free Shops’, redistributing food and other items such as school uniforms to reduce waste and support those most in need, and redundant buildings at Haltwhistle station in the Tyne Valley are being converted to flexible office and studio space which uses solar power. Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend said: ‘Community rail is sustainable development in action at a grassroots level. Sustainable development is critical to everyone’s future, and communities need to be empowered and encouraged to lead the way, spearheading positive change.’