COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GRANTS

The Heart of Wessex Line benefits enormously from creative and energetic local people who have chosen to take an active part in supporting and adding value to the work of both the train operators and Network Rail.

Today there are well over 70 volunteers regularly contributing to the partnership's work, and various community groups who have contributed special projects.

Our annual Local Grants scheme supports these projects and since it was introduced in September 2003, 140 small grants have been awarded to over 40 different community groups for a wide range of different projects to enhance, support and promote the line.



Most of our stations have now been "adopted" by local people, who help to keep them looking attractive and welcoming, sometimes establishing their own station gardens.

They also keep a "station watch", ensuring that damage or other problems are reported swiftly. Several groups have identified projects for improved signing, information and other customer facilities.