West Midlands Railway’s ‘Your Community, Your Fund’ scheme has made grants of up to £10,000 available in this latest stage of funding. The scheme which is funded via the Department for Transport will see an array of projects supported with the aim of inspiring people to get involved with the railway whilst supporting existing groups in order to benefit local communities and rail passengers.

One project which has been given the go-ahead during this round of funding is ‘Green Haven’ which is led by Smethwick Rolfe Street station adopters alongside the local community and will see bedders and planters installed as well as artwork which aims to capture the area’s history.

West Midland’s Railway and its sister company London Northwestern Railway will be splitting the funding between projects. The application process closed during September, with all projects set to complete in March 2024.

Funding awarded during previous years has seen both train operators’ networks supported in brilliant fashion, including:

• A new tea room for Bricket Wood station in Hertfordshire
• New art boards for Tyseley station in Birmingham
• A sensory garden design by girl guides at Stone in Staffordshire.

To find out more about West Midlands Railways ‘You Community, Your Fund’, please click here.

Cara Higgs, Community Strategy Manager at West Midlands Railway, said:

“I am delighted that we have received funding for vital company projects which will enhance their local areas.”

“Community work is crucial for the railway and I am looking forward to seeing the completed projects once they have finished next year.”