Bristol to Weymouth Rail Partnership

Bristol to Weymouth Railway display boardLaunch of the Bristol to Weymouth Railway Line walks pack

Client

Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership ยป

Task

To develop a partnership approach to the task of retaining and improving the 87 mile, 20 station rural rail link between Bristol and Weymouth, linking the rail service operator to the tourism and transport sections of the 10 local government stakeholders along the line, with community involvement for individual station sites.

Process

Bottom up processes included regular partners meetings and seminars, community meetings and community and collaborative action group creation. Top down processes included the writing of print materials, press/ TV/ radio work and web site development.

Benefits

  • Web site development, new print marketing materials, guided and self-guided walks, rail linked cycle routes and new station concepts and redevelopments.
  • Increased line usage annually, with numerous new rail users.
  • External funding secured for a full time project officer to continue the work started.
  • The rail service has been integrated into the promotional work of the local authorities.
  • The service now appears to be secure for the future.