News

NORTHERN RAIL WINS TOP COMMUNITY PRIZE

1st October 2007

Northern Rail has won the top prize at this year’s Community Rail Awards for its “energy and innovation” in working with the communities it serves.

Northern Rail, which operates local and regional train services across the north of England, was named overall winner for its contribution to community rail development.

The judges said that: “Northern Rail stands out in its systematic approach to engaging with the wider community… Additionally, it has produced a guide for its own staff about working with the Community and has demonstrated innovation and energy in its engagement with stakeholders.”

In other categories, Northern Rail came second in the ‘New Uses for Station Buildings’ category for its ‘Community Stations’ project, which brings redundant station buildings back to life for community use. Neil Bentley, a train driver for Northern Rail who also chairs the Penistone Line Partnership, came second in the Outstanding Railway Staff Contribution category.

Winning the top award at the Community Rail Awards comes just a few weeks after Northern won Public Transport Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards 2007.

Heidi Mottram, Managing Director, Northern Rail said: “This is fantastic recognition for the hard work of many Northern Rail staff and community volunteers in making a real difference to their areas, whether that is making improvements to their station or getting involved in community activities.”

More….

Other successes across the Northern network included:

Involving Young People
2nd – Rudheugh High School and Mid Cheshire CRP

Best Station Adoption Group
1st – Friends of Whaley Bridge Station

Best Marketing Event
1st – Community Rail Humber Marketing Roadshows
2nd – Huddersfield Station Gala, Penistone Line Partnership
3rd – Crewe – Manchester CRP Airport Commuter Race

Community Art Schemes
1st – Hull and East Yorkshire MIND for the Old Parcels Office at Bridlington Station

Best Railway Pub
3rd – Head of Steam, Huddersfield Station

Best Station Buffet
2nd – Bridlington Station Buffet

Best Station Garden
3rd – John Sadler – Bridlington Station flowers

Most Outstanding Volunteer Contribution
2nd – Trevor Goodall, Esk Valley Railway Development Company
3rd – JP Buckley, Friends of the Settle – Carlisle Railway

Best Community Rail Website
3rd - Ribble Valley Rail

DfT Community Rail Marketing Strategy
2nd - Clitheroe Line CRP