THE NEWLY-appointed chair of the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (WCRP) Tom Painter has set out his plans to transform railway stations.
Mr Painter is also the general manager of the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and head of rail at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
He will lead the scheme which is aimed at strengthening ties between railway stations and the communities they serve and improving stations to ensure they are vibrant gateways to the region’s towns and cities.
These changes will reflect local character and culture while promoting sustainable travel.
Mr Painter said: “I want to enable more people across Worcestershire to come forward and adopt more local stations and help us turn them into valued community facilities.”
The WCRP – a collaboration of local government, the rail industry and community groups – recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The partnership focuses on promoting rail travel, improving stations, and encouraging community pride.
Currently, more than half of Worcestershire’s 18 stations benefit from the station adoption programme. Among them are Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Droitwich Spa, Great Malvern, Kidderminster, Malvern Link, Pershore, Evesham, Worcester Foregate Street and Wythall.
These voluntary schemes create safer and more welcoming spaces. The key priorities for the partnership include expanding the station adoption programme, promoting sustainability and connectivity to support economic growth, community engagement with local organisations and celebrating Rail 200 in 2025.
The celebration of the bicentennial of passenger rail highlights its role in connecting communities and shaping the future.
Fiona Saxon, community rail officer at the WCRP, said: “Tom brings a wealth of experience and passion for using rail as a catalyst for community engagement.”
This appointment comes as the WCRP addresses key areas. Improving rural and urban connectivity, reducing congestion, and encouraging inclusion and creativity through rail are among the challenges.
Visit wcrp.org.uk/ for more information about the WCRP, how to get involved and further details on railway station adoption.
