Community Rail Officer Appointed

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership has made a new appointment with the aim to do even more to keep the two lines under its remit thriving.

Thalia Rushmore joins the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership as its officer to focus on promoting the railway and working with the communities along the Ipswich – Lowestoft and Ipswich – Felixstowe line for their mutual benefit – as well as maximising the positive impact of the new trains now providing a regular, high-quality service for communities and passengers along the line.

Thalia, from Woodbridge, previously worked in hospitality and enjoys gardening and exploring the Suffolk coast.

Thalia says, “I’m excited to get started in the new role and meet interested parties along the East Suffolk Lines with the aim of making the lines successful and sustainable, as they are very important links for the communities they serve.

“I’m hoping to bring the idea of using the local rail line to a wider audience and work with partners to develop initiatives to enable to the railway and community to work and improve together.”

The role is overseen by the Community Rail Partnership board which is comprised of and funded by Greater Anglia, Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership aims to bring together representatives of the local transport authority, local planning authorities, Greater Anglia, Network Rail and a wide range of local community groups, with the objective of securing the future of the Ipswich – Lowestoft and Ipswich – Felixstowe railway lines through increased patronage and revenue.

It helps to promote the branch lines, encourages integrated transport links from stations, and runs a programme of activities such as guided walks and helping to fund station improvements.