National Recognition for Local Rail Projects
Efforts to bring local communities together through rail station projects have been tipped for several national awards.
The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (Ipswich to Lowestoft/Felixstowe) and The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership (Norwich to Yarmouth/Lowestoft) have been shortlisted for accolades at the Community Rail Awards, which celebrate the inspiring work of community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups across Britain.
The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is shortlisted in the ‘Community Creative Projects & Station Arts’ category for medium-sized groups for its project to transform a vandalised waiting room at Saxmundham station into a calm and welcoming space with the support of a £6,500 grant from Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund. The project involved local artists, poets and school children.
East Suffolk Lines station adopter volunteer Sandy Burn is shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Volunteer Contribution’ award for the exceptional time, energy and dedication she has shown to developing the gardens at Westerfield o the route just north of Ipswich and Lowestoft
The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership’s Lowestoft Central Project is shortlisted for a ‘Gold’ award in the ‘It’s Your Station’ category, recognising the ongoing work to improve Lowestoft station as a welcoming gateway to the town, through volunteering, community engagement, heritage projects and the operation of the Community Rail Hub, Tourist Information Office and Station Shop.
The Community Rail Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of local groups and volunteers who transform stations into welcoming, inclusive spaces and connect communities with rail travel. Their efforts play a crucial role in promoting sustainable transport, reducing isolation, and ensuring communities have a voice in shaping their railways.
This year’s winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony in Derby on Thursday 19 March 2026, bringing together leaders from across the rail industry and community sectors.
Organised by Community Rail Network and headline partner East Midlands Railway, the awards showcase a wide range of initiatives that foster social inclusion, encourage greener travel, empower communities, and support local economies. The event highlights how community rail builds connections and creates positive change, benefiting communities and often transforming lives.
Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said:
“2025 is a very special year for community rail and the wider railway industry, and we’re delighted to see so many inspiring award entries showcasing amazing people, projects and initiatives from across our growing, grassroots movement.
“Huge congratulations to these nominees for being shortlisted. We’re looking forward to joining them and our community rail colleagues and industry partners to celebrate their hard work, positivity, and dedication at our Awards evening in March.”
Greater Anglia’s Stakeholder, Community and Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said:
“Greater Anglia is proud to support these community rail initiatives, which not only enhance the travel experience but also bring communities closer together. We’re delighted to see our partnerships recognised at the national level, and we remain committed to fostering sustainable travel and enriching local communities.”