We’ve gathered together useful information about us below which we hope you will find interesting.

We’ve also detailed a brief overview on Community Rail organisations to help give you a feel for its many benefits as well as some hints and tips below on how you can get involved should you wish to.

We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us here

Established in 2018, the NCCRP brings together members of the local community to improve rail services from Hooton to Helsby and Chester to Warrington. The partnership is non-profit and works in conjunction with valued partners including the University of Chester, the railway organisations and local authorities.

You can find out more about our core partners here

Our aim is to assist and influence railway organisations in operating a sustainable rail network. Our collaborative style of working encourages community engagement, economic development, education, connectivity and inclusivity and aims to make rail journeys fun regardless of whether you are travelling for business, tourism, or leisure.

Working closely with local schools and groups to help educate and inform them, we aim to reach out to rail users and non-rail users alike to break down barriers to travel. Adding value and promoting connectivity via bus, cycle and walking networks, our mission is to increase community support along the line of Hooton and Warrington.

Find out more about our current aims and objectives here

In 1983 the “Serpell Report” was created which detailed a diminishing and disappointing view on community rail. It brought to light the realisation that many of these neglected rural lines faced closure, ultimately disappearing from the map. The rallying community campaigns that followed, in particular to save the stunning Settle-Carlisle Line, highlighted how much people valued their local railways – for reasons beyond nostalgia – and the importance placed upon these lines for the positive impact they had for the community both economically and socially.

As a result, the first Community Rail Partnership groups were created in the early 1990s by independent volunteers establishing activities and events to promote sustainable rail travel from their local stations. They quickly demonstrated that they could deliver positive change at a local level to the benefit of railway and passengers alike. As their enthusiasm grew, so did their numbers – there are now over 64 partnerships and numbers are growing every year. Additionally, more than 1,000 smaller community rail groups such as “Station Friends” or “Adoption” groups continue to support and promote scenic rural lines, playing a key role in urban regeneration.

At its heart, Community Rail connects communities, schools, businesses, charities and organisations in developing strategies to enhance and improve local rail services. The CRP’s are involved in everything from refreshing tired station environments, to creating more accessible travel opportunities, floral displays, art installations, community run café’s and local events. Everyone works together for a common goal, to make local rail more sustainable, economical, enjoyable and safe.

The CRP’s are financially supported by government, the train companies and local authorities, with the mutually beneficial aim of meeting everyone’s targets by increasing passenger numbers and putting something back into the local communities.

CRP are supported and overseen by Community Rail Network (previously known as ACoRP).  You can find out more about them and the work they undertake here