The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has gained accreditation from Department of Transport which is a gold standard that confirms it operates to high standards of governance and financial proprietary and is a suitable entity for receiving public funds.
The CRP is the local organisation which provides the link between local communities on the Line and the rail industry.
One of the key purposes of Community Rail is to provide a voice for the community and to communicate local people’s views and needs to the rail industry.
By providing this dialogue as a critical, independent friend of the rail industry, the CRP’s main objective is to identify ways the Mid Cheshire Line can play a more active and effective role in supporting and improving the communities it serves.
John Hulme, a Director of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership said:
“The CRP is delighted to have been accepted for accreditation from the Department of Transport.
“There are around 70 CRP’s in the country of which just over half are accredited.
“Because accreditation brings with it access to government funding, this makes our work as a voice for the community supporting social and economic development well placed.
“I especially thank Sarah Morgan, our Community Rail Officer, for her efforts in achieving this gold standard.”
Sally Morgan, the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer said:
“These are exciting times for the Mid Cheshire Line and the Community Rail Partnership as we look forward to opening up the railways to travel post pandemic.
“Our volunteer groups are starting to return to their local station projects and the CRP is actively looking at projects with Knutsford and Northwich Town Councils and other local parish councils along the Line.
“Our accreditation confirms the community-facing role the CRP will play locally and whilst our plans promote sustainable, healthy and accessible travel we are also looking at ways of bringing communities together and supporting diversity and inclusion.
“The CRP are keen to look at opportunities for individuals to volunteer on railway linked projects, especially those socially isolated, so that we can provide them with new life skills and a purpose in the community.
“My thanks go to the board members and local stakeholders of the CRP for the support given in achieving accreditation.”
