Greater Anglia to Fund £350K in Community Projects Across the Region

Train operator Greater Anglia has announced grant funding for 28 community projects across its network. The money comes from its Customer and Community Improvement Fund initiative which is now in its second year.

A total of £350,000 has been pledged by Greater Anglia across a wide range of projects that will benefit both the community and the railway. Nine of the projects totalling £117,763 are in Suffolk with six of these along the East Suffolk Lines.

The initiatives include small-scale station enhancements, integrated transport projects, and schemes to introduce new or disadvantaged groups to rail travel. Funding has also been awarded to education projects, biodiversity projects, arts and heritage schemes, tourism initiatives, as well as other ideas that help to promote rail services amongst local communities.

Funding up to £50,000 for each project was available and applications were received from local organisations and bodies, including community rail partnerships, station adopters, local authorities, parish councils, community groups, charities and other stakeholders on routes served by the train operator.

Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Martin Beable, said:

“I am delighted that we are able to invest a further £350,000 into community projects across East Anglia, and we are looking forward to seeing the schemes and ideas put forward progress and flourish over the coming year.

“We are always looking to enhance the role of the railway in support of the community it serves, and this excellent scheme is a way of supporting further locally focused enhancements in line with community needs. Last year’s projects were a great success, making a difference at a local level right across our network.”

Projects in Suffolk and along the East Suffolk Lines

£20,000 for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership for new cycle parking and shelter at Oulton Broad South station, recognising increased cycle usage and house building in the area.

£6,500 for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership for waiting room improvements and linked local schools project for Saxmundham station.

£5,100 for the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership to install new signage at Saxmundham station and car park to provide information about additional parking, onward public transport options and the route to public toilets, specifying both step-free and stepped access options.

£10,113 for Halesworth Museum (which is at the station) for improvements to upgrade the aesthetics of this building which connects the community and the railway (including upgrades for windows, doors and signage).

£3,000 for Saxmundham Museum to promote visits to Saxmundham Museum to rail users on the East Suffolk Line.

£47,000 for the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Norfolk for Lowestoft station improvements including additional toilet facilities and waiting area upgrades.

£2,250 for Sudbury Museum Trust for a project celebrating the history of the railway in Sudbury and its impact on the town’s development.

£22,500 for East Anglian Food Museum in Stowmarket for new digital screens to promote the museum at the station and in the town, as a rail-accessible attraction.

£1,300 for Babergh and Mid-Suffolk council to promote the Harwich Harbour Ferry and associated walks