The Rural Community Council for Kent and Medway

Community Rail Partnership

The Kent Community Rail Partnership exists to bring together widely varied partners in order to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities served by rural and secondary rail services. This is achieved by improving community links with rail operators and initiating projects that make rail services more attractive to residents and visitors alike. Generally speaking the partnerships exist on lines unlikely to attract major investment from the rail industry, but the success of the partnerships often leads to greater resources being deployed by the rail companies. For more information about Community Rail partnerships in Kent contact Nigel Whitburn. On 01303 850816 or email nigel.whitburn@ruralkent.org.uk

Kent CRP Routes Map courtesy of Medway Council

SwaleRail

The first project has been the establishment of SwaleRail, a group concerned with the Sittingbourne to Sheerness branch line. For more information about SwaleRail and to download copies of all newsletters published to date, go to the Swalerail webpage.

Medway Valley Line

A similar group for the Medway Valley line that runs between Paddock Wood and Strood via Maidstone West has now been established. For more information go to the Medway Valley Line page. Copies of all Medway Valley Line newsletters may also be downloaded.

MVL "Designated

Rail Minister Tom Harris MP announced that the Medway Valley Line service would be a "Designated" Community Rail Service. Designation will allow local communities, working through the Community Rail Partnership, a greater say in specifying service levels and facilities. It will also allow the train operating company to discard some of the general franchise restrictions that might reduce their freedom to introduce new initiatives to the line. Designataion has been welcomed by Southeastern and all local stakeholders.

Kent CRP Line Guide

A line guide covering both SwaleRail and the Medway Valley Line has been published and is available at many manned stations in Kent as well as from Tourist Information Offices and other outlets. To download a pdf copy of the guide please click here.

Train services on both SwaleRail and the Medway Valley line are operated by Southeastern Railway Ltd, part of the Govia consortium. Click on Southeastern's logo to go to their website for timetables and the latest train information.

Visiting Kent

Whether it is historic castles, holiday beaches, beautiful countryside, industrial archaeology, wonderful gardens, cultural events or country walks, there is something for everyone in Kent and Medway. To find out more about all these attractions and for details of accomodation, click onto the "Visit Kent" logo below.

Other Rail Partnerships

East Sussex has also established a Community Rail Partnership and is taking the lead on the following routes which serve some Kent communities. Both of these lines are operated by "Southern Railway". For more information about the Sussex Community Rail Partnership go to the Sussex CRP webpage.

Uckfield Line

This line has three stations in Kent - Cowden, Hever and Edenbridge Town. The Development Officer, Leigh Inglis is currently on maternity leave. The post is being covered by Sam Bryant who can be contacted at;
Address: Eridge Station, Eridge Green, East Sussex TN3 9LE
Tel: 07891 556897 email: samantha.bryant@ruralsussex.org.uk

Click here to download the latest Uckfield Line newsletter.

Marshlink

This line runs between Ashford & Hastings. The Development Officer post is also covered by Sam Bryant.

Address: Rye Station, Station Approach, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7AB

Tel: 01797 227320 email: samantha.bryant@ruralsussex.org.uk
Click on the Marshlink logo to download the latest Marshlink newsletter.

For more information submit an enquiry, or request an information pack.

More information can also be obtained from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP). Click here to connect to their website.