HEART OF WESSEX RAIL PARTNERSHIP

What is it?
The Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership brings together nine councils through whose areas the line runs. These include Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire County Councils, Bristol City and Bath & North East Somerset Councils; Mendip, South Somerset and West Dorset District Councils and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. Together with the train operator we aim to promote the railway, improve local information provision (for line-side communities and visitors) and encourage growth in local economies without encouraging more road congestion and pollution. 

What does it do?
The Partnership aims to promote both the rail line and the local businesses (especially small, independent enterprises) that can benefit from it. It produces information to attract visitors to towns, villages and countryside along the line - in particular with its regularly updated Line Guide. Amongst other partnership publications are the Bristol to Weymouth Line Guide, summer Guided Walks programme and a detailed guide to the "car-free" connections between the Heart of Wessex Line and the Kennet and Avon Canal and waterways between Bristol and Bradford on Avon.

We also initiate, co-ordinate and help to fund station improvements. Some major achievements over the last two years have included significant partnership projects at Dorchester West, Bruton, Westbury and Maiden Newton stations. A Local Grants Scheme is available for voluntary community groups who wish to make improvements to stations, boost use of the line, or promote local economies through rail travel to their local stations.

To increase community involvement along the line a  Community Rail Working Party has been established. In the quarterly meetings of this group of voluntary community representatives play a significant and role in furthering the needs of local rail users and small businesses.

For more information on Communities and Local Grants, click on the link to the left of your screen.
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