Community involvement encouraged on Wessex rail line

Date: 11/10/2011

The Heart of Wessex rail line between Weymouth and Bristol will benefit from being designated a Community Rail service, it has been announced.

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers revealed yesterday (October 10th) that through this, train operators would be able to enjoy a closer working relationship with community rail partnerships.

As a result, the two can work together to tailor services towards local needs.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of First Great Western, said: "We very much welcome the designation of the Heart of Wessex line services and the benefits that will bring, further assisting the [Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership] in the valuable work that [it does]."

Elsewhere, the first students have been welcomed to the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy - the £13 million training facility attached to the Crossrail project.

It is estimated that the Academy will be fully open and delivering its entire curriculum by early 2012.

Over the course of the Crossrail initiative, the facility will train as many as 3,500 individuals.

Posted by Mary Treen