History
Before we were formally established, we
used to exist under the name of the Marston Vale Railway
Development Group. The group, consisting of representatives from
local authorities, the rail industry, the rail user group, and
local organisations, was set up with the vision of significantly
improving passenger rail services. At that time, the conditions on
the line left a lot to be desired, with tired rolling stock running
on even more tired tracks! This group achieved much in terms of
improvement, but the work essentially relying on the good will and
hard work of officers in the interested parties. It was always felt
that a Community Rail Partnership would the best way of securing a
future for the Marston Vale Line.
The group's wish was granted in November 2006, when
the Government designated the Marston Vale Line as a Community Rail
Service. The Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership was born. The
group was then renamed as the Steering Group of the CRP. With a
dedicated officer, and funding forthcoming, it is now that the
aspirations of the group are being realised. Initial results are
encouraging, with a 7% rise in passengers on the line in the CRP's
first year. We hope to continue that success into the future!
History of the line
The Marston Vale Line has a long and somewhat
turbulent history. The line brought the rail network to the towns
and villages of the vale, and was a key part of the Oxford to
Cambridge Rail Link. It brought prosperity to the towns that it
served, and provided Bedford with its very first railway station
(the old St Johns Station). The line also supported the
establishment and growth of the brick industry in the vale. The
line has also survived several closure threats in the mid to late
20th Century, one of which led to the formation of the Bedford to
Bletchley Rail Users Association, as well as significant
under-investment. Recent years have been much more positive, with
significant investment in stations, the tracks and signalling, as
well as us being established! As a result, the future is a lot more
promising.
There are several excellent books on the history of the Marston
Vale Line, as well as Bedfordshire railways in general. Many of
these can be purchased from local bookstores, or hired from the
local libraries. Alternatively, you can contact the Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users
Association, which has numerous railway history buffs in its
membership!
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