Putting the heart back into county rail links

The focus of the scheme will be a Rail Partnership Officer who will bring communities and the rail industry together. The Arun Valley will be the first line incorporated in the plan.

Mike Franklin, who has just been appointed will be helping promote stations and services on the line between Arundel and Three Bridges including Amberley, Pulborough, Billingshurst and Christ's Hospital.

"It's not just about looking at the commercial aspect of train lines but asking what residents want," said Mr Franklin. "We will be helping to improve the look of stations and making them feel owned by the people who use them so there will be scope for small grants to help with small scale projects like gardening and the chance for station adoptions where the community can play a bigger part in caring for their station."

The post has been financed by West Sussex County Council and Action in Rural Sussex and is part of WSCC's 10'“year transport plan to help cut congestion.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette August 25.