Train
The Partnership covers two lines; they are;
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Southport -Wigan Wallgate.
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Preston - Ormskirk.
The Community Rail Partnership established in 2000 is a means by which various stakeholders and interested parties along the rail corridor can play an active role in the development of a responsive and good quality rail service. It brings together train operators, Network Rail, Local Authorities, community and rail user organisations, development and tourism agencies.
The Partnership continually aims to:
- develop the Preston to Ormskirk and Southport to Wigan rail services through a community based partnership approach to better serve the communities along the line;
- develop an accessible and safe integrated transport network that makes use of both community and private transport, car and rail, walking and cycling; and,
- help to contribute towards the economic, social and environmental development of the area.
The objectives are to:
- bring together a range of people from the local communities, including private individuals, businesses, local visitor attractions, Parish, District and Borough Councils and service providers, who all share the same aims to initiate practical ways of developing the accessibility and long term use of the lines;
- work with the relevant bodies to improve links between rail and community transport, including use of appropriate accessible stations and other forms of sustainable transport (park and ride, cycling and walking);
- enable socially excluded people (individuals or groups) who lack the resources to participate in common accepted activities in society;
- ensure that all stations are accessible and safe and that journeys are affordable and to instigate ways of sustaining and continuing improvements;
- promote and encourage the use of the services especially to children and young people through schools and out of school (Youth Club) activities;
- increase patronage on the line by people from outside the area by marketing and promotion of local tourist attractions and businesses; and
- allow the area to be accessed by local people and visitors for education, tourism and leisure purposes.
The Partnership issues an annual "Action Plan" which highlights the work that the Partnership intends to carry out. A copy of the Action Plan van be obtained by writing to:
Richard Watts
Rail Projects Manager
Guild house,
Cross Street,
Preston,
PR1 8RD
Or email: richard.watts@env.lancscc.gov.uk
Achievements.
Services to Suit
At a rail forum members of Shevington Parish Council raised that on Sundays trains ran through the station every hour without stopping. Although a number of community members had written to the operator about stopping the train at their station, nothing had been progressed. The Partnership examined the timetable, working out necessary stopping times, and approached the operator with a proposal which showed that stopping at Gathurst would not affect the rest of the service. Gathurst got its hourly Sunday rail service in June 2002.
The Partnership was also able to demonstrate to the operator that a later evening train from Manchester to Southport (another item on the communities 'wish list') would be possible using largely existing resources. A 10.30 pm train started running in September 2002 and is now a popular, safe and well-used service.
The Partnership also produces a range of marketing information and leaflets, specific to stations or services, particularly evening and Sunday services. Information is also produced to highlight how the train could 'take the strain' getting people to major events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Southport Air and Flower Shows.
Improving Station Environments
Parbold is the only station on the line between Southport and Wigan that is staffed - in this case prior to October 2004 on a part-time basis Monday to Friday mornings only. At 150 years old, it is the only original Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway building to survive as an operational station along the route. The Parish Council and the Tree Warden group in Parbold had written to the Project Officer asking if something could be done about the village station which they felt was an eyesore and that passengers did not feel safe using it. Importantly, they felt, its dire state was preventing the community from winning 'Best Kept Village' competition - and they wanted action!
SBS Architects were briefed to look at Parbold station, with the aim of developing the existing buildings as a proper booking office and waiting room with improved facilities. In April 2002, their innovative ideas were put out to consultation with the local community, who responded with their priorities and thoughts. The funding of £300,000 was secured by a partnership Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire District Council, the Railway Heritage Trust, the Countryside Agency and Spacia (the rail property owner).
In June 2004, a huge renovation project began on the station which included renovating the external building, including opening up bricked up windows, replacing stone mullions and transoms, stone cleaning and re-pointing, replacement of the water system and roof repairs.
The interior was completely overhauled, providing a heated waiting room with a new floor and anti slip tiles, passenger seating and fully DDA compliant toilet as well as a new ticket office with induction loop and staff facility. Importantly there has been an increase in booking office hours - now including afternoons and evenings Monday to Fridays and daytime Saturdays.
There have been platform improvements including the installation of a CCTV system covering the whole station, widened access onto the Wigan-bound platform to increase visibility for passengers and cutting back overgrown trees, new fencing, new signage and renovated shelters. Phase two of the scheme to improve the subway was completed in March 2006.
Burscough Bridge Interchange
In late 2002 work began on the design of a new bus/rail interchange at Burscough Bridge railway station on the Southport to Manchester railway line. This small town had been identified in a Multi Modal Transport Needs Assessment, commissioned by the Partnership, as a crucial town for transport in the area and showed that people travel into Burscough from the surrounding communities to access public transport, to continue their journey and to use the town's facilities such as doctors, dentist, shops and leisure/recreation.
The new interchange building which first opened in November 2005, has a modern staffed ticket office and provides bus, rail and tourist information, including a full range of National Rail products.for sale. It has a heated waiting area, passenger toilet, cafe ( due to open in summer 2006) and an extensive CCTV system with secured cycle parking. Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire District Council, North West Development Agency and the Countryside Agency have all provided funding for the scheme.
Rail Ale Trail
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