The Buckinghamshire Council has received £18,600 of funding through the Great Western Railway’s Community Fund, with the intention to explore opportunities that can improve accessibility for passengers that walk, wheel, or cycle to Bourne End railway station.
This grant comes after the successful application from the council, after the Community Fund launched in May of this year to support local communities and address areas of social need.
Coming as part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the operator has a commitment to supporting the community through initiatives that aim to improve local schools, colleges, councils and other non-profit organisations.
A feasibility study commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council will consider:
- provision of a new safe crossing to the station on Station Road
- improving station accessibility
- improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling routes to the station
- The council will also be working closely with GWR on a proposal to improve facilities for bus users by creating a new bus interchange at the station.
Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, said:
“This timely and welcome funding from GWR will help us look at the feasibility of improving pedestrian access to Bourne End Railway Station. We are aware of the positive change that improving station access would bring in the area and we’re working with the South West Chilterns Community Board, local Members and the Wooburn & Bourne End Parish Council to explore the best ways to making such improvements.”
Through ensuring that people have improved access to rail and other forms of sustainable multi-modal journeys, the surrounding areas will see low carbon production that will contribute to the net-zero ambitions of the UK Government.
GWR Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said:
“The Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.
“GWR is passionate about making its trains and stations accessible to all. The council’s feasibility study will consider a series of measures to assist customers making their way to the station, which is a real positive.”
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