Fenland’s Hereward Community Rail Partnership champions Rail Safety Week
Rail safety was in focus on the Hereward Line between Ely and Peterborough recently, with a series of events taking place during Rail Safety Week.
The Hereward Line Community Rail Partnership, which sees Fenland District Council, Greater Anglia, and other partner organisations including East Midlands Railway & LNER, work together to help develop and improve the rail line in line with community needs, held events at March and Peterborough rail stations at the end of June.
Groups of people from FACET, a day care centre for adults with learning disabilities, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, and Cubs, were hosted on 'Try A Train' trips to learn about all aspects of rail safety and try a trip by train.
Some also tried activities such as gardening during station visits, where they also learned about railway safety, the heritage of the railway, and specifically March station.
The week of events finished with a stand at Peterborough station where safety-themed books, activity sheets, and goodie bags were given away to over 170 people.
Cllr Chris Seaton, chair of the Hereward Community Rail Partnership and Fenland's portfolio holder for transport said: "We were delighted by how many people took an interest in the rail safety events and hope that it will encourage more people to take a trip on the wonderful Hereward rail line between Ely and Peterborough, and beyond.
"I would also like to thank the Friends of March Railway Station who kindly opened their community rooms to facilitate the visits at March Station."
Joanne Rose, transport officer at Fenland, added: "It was great to engage so many people in the important topic of rail safety and how to travel confidently by train.
"Overcoming barriers to rail travel will help more people travel sustainably and actively and open doors to young people for social, leisure and work opportunities."
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia's customer and community engagement manager, said: "We are very grateful to the Hereward Community Rail Partnership, Fenland District Council, and all the partners for raising awareness of the important issue of safety during Rail Safety Week and helping groups of young people to learn how to take the train safely."
