The former West Wales Coast Community Partnership has moved to a new location with Groundwork North Wales.

The West Wales Coast Community Partnership was recently renamed the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Partnership as the group has expanded its region to include the local communities between Shotton and Colwyn Bay, whereas before they only served and promoted the Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Colwny Bay to Holyhead lines.

Funded by Transport for Wales, the partnership provides for the local community along the two lines, they not only bring the communities together but ensure they are heard by higher authorities when it comes to the topic of running or amending train services.

They also ensure that locals have full access to travel in addition to aiding the social and economic impact of towns along the lines, ensuring inclusion and diversity.

The partnership also promotes the use of greener and more sustainable forms of transport.

The rail partnerships chairman Philip Evans, commented on how well the new relationship has been growing between the community partnership and Ground Work North Wales, and looks forward to the future as both organisations develop and build new projects within the region.

Railways do provide for a number of communities across the UK, the West Wales Coast Community Partnership is one of many community partnerships set up to ensure the railways do just that.

Rail communities do make a difference not only by encouraging and promoting public transport, outdoor activities and tourism, but they also offer support to those of all ages, including schools, youth and community groups, by providing volunteering opportunities.

They can also tackle isolation and loneliness and build social circles to ensure everyone is included and has a voice.

The railway line is a vital link between communities along the Conwy Valley and the partnership will encourage sustainable tourism and promote use of public transport. I am excited to be in the role and look forward to meeting, and working with local people on local projects that bring a huge benefit to communities.”

Karen Williams, Community Rail Officer

The launch of the Community Resilience Grant programme funded by the Transport for Wales Challenge Fund, ensures that local organisations, charities and CICs can apply for funding to assist them with their projects, which include healthy wellbeing, social inclusion and behaviour change by talking anti-social behaviour. Karen works with these organisations by offering assistance when they apply for grants.

Safety is paramount in any railway environment, and the Community Partnership has ensured that school children are aware of this.

Members of Beavers joined the British Transport Police and took a trip from Menai Bridge to Llanfair PG, which included a railway safety talk.

A new artwork installed at North Llanrwst station promoting rail safety was created by students of years 8 & 9 at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst.

Avanti West Coast has also aided in funding for the community partnership by ensuring free e-bike sessions are available in connection with the Ffit Conwy Leisure Development Team, which is offering locals the chance to try something new. This exciting experience is taking place in the Llandudno Junction area.

More information on the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Partnership can be found at www.conwyvalleynorthwalescoast.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and X.