24.11.15
London’s first rail community rail partnership launched at Hounslow station
South West Trains (SWT) has joined forced with the London Borough of Hounslow to create the capital’s first community rail partnership.
Such partnerships aim to create more community ownership and involvement with local stations, helping improve them, and keep them clean and safe and inviting.
Plans are in place to introduce station adoption groups for each of the seven stations along the Hounslow Loop between Hounslow and Barnes Bridge.
The groups, jointly led by SWT and the London borough, will seek to improve the general ambiance of stations and their respective environments, particularly through better upkeep, maintenance and cleaning.
The partnership’s officer, Susan Rocke, who is local to the area, said the group is keen to hear from local residents, commuters and community members who want to be a part of these groups.
But works are already underway regardless, with two new planter tubs placed at Hounslow station to help brighten the environment and encourage the involvement of more local residents and groups.
Notice boards will also be put up at all seven stations in order to allow communities to share information easily.
SWT’ head of business excellence, Dave Morris, said: “We are delighted to be introducing a community rail partnership in the Hounslow area. The work of these groups and station adopters is vital in making our stations feel part of the communities they serve.
“We’re pleased that working with the London Borough of Hounslow, we are able to announce funding of this group.”
The Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), a federation of over 50 community rail groups, is supporting the new initiative on the Hounslow line – which it hopes will spark practical changes and produce a more sustainable and integrated local railway.
Anyone wanting to join one of the seven groups can email [email protected].