It's no longer a question of
if a more frequent service of trains on the TransWilts line should be provided - it's now
when and
how, and how to ensure when that service is running that it's done properly, and integrates with the community of users, businesses, residents, tourists and other transport systemsso that the very best use is made of it.
The TransWilts Community Rail Partnership has been running as an informal grouping for several years now ... we have held back from formalising under a constitution while so much has been up in the air. However, with things moving forward, we're working every closer between the rail industrty, local government and the community and a statement of what we are, how we're formed, and how we operate is necessary for the future.
A draft constitution has been drawn up, by the community, based on other Community Rail Partnership experience. It's been amended in the light of constructive suggestions both from First Great Western and from Wiltshire Council. And it's going to be formally adopted at a special general meeting on Saturday 31st August from 10 a.m. (introduction / update) or 11 a.m. (formal adoption of constitution)
We
welcome signups from organisations (please take this to organisations you are a member of) and individuals (as "supporters") ... please take a look through the information that's on the web site
http://atrebatia.info , the draft constition at
http://atrebatia.info/TWCRP_Constitution_095.pdf and please add your support at
http://atrebatia.info/joinus.htmlThank you!
P.S. ... here's the base form letter that will be circulated over the next few days ... it's a little different to the text above in that it defines / states the case in a way that's intended for people / organisations who are much more train users rather than being as much in the picture as readers of this forum typically are ...Dear %name%,
The TransWilts Community Rail Partnership is a group of like-minded organisations seeking to improve the TransWilts railway line which connects Swindon to Salisbury via Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury through co-ordinated activity with the railway, local communities and government bodies.
Planning work, trail services and surveys in 2011 indicated a strong business, operatonal, economic and community case for an increase of services from 2 each way per day up to 8 each way (Monday to Friday) with slighly fewer on Saturdays and Sundays.
With the Local Sustainable Transport Fund now being used to improve Wiltshire's railway offering, it's now an opportune time to formalise our Community Rail Partnership as it will enable us all to work more closely and productively together into the future for the benefit of the current and future users of the line. We (the founding team - Sion, Peter, Phil, Chris and Graham) have drawn up a draft constitution based on other rail partnerships, with the help of other inputs from First Great Western, Wiltshire Council and others, and will be formally adoption this at a special general meeting at 11 a.m. on 31st August to which all are invited.
If you wish to help us (whether as a member / representative, or just as a supporter), please register your support via
http://atrebatia.info/joinus.htmlIf you wish to read the draft constitution, it's available for download via
http://atrebatia.info/TWCRP_Constitution_095.pdfThe main TransWilts Community Rail Partnership website is at
http://atrebatia.infoOn the 31st August, we will be timing the day to connect with current trains, and we'll be presenting an additional introductory section to inform and update attendees from 10 a.m., and we'll follow on with a buffet lunch and a planning session in the early afternoon, allowing you to get the afternoon train home. We also have plenty of free parking. Further details are at
http://melksh.am/4148Please pass this email on to other individuals and organisations who may be interested - between the rail industry, local government and the community we can make a real success of the railway line across Wiltshire! And please feel free to email me any questions you may have.
Graham
Graham Ellis -
graham@atrebatia.infoPress and publicity, TransWilts Community Rail Partnership
TransWilts
CRP▸ , 48, Spa Road, Melksham, Wilts, SN12 7NY
http://atrebatia.info - 0845 459 0153
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