Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (MVCRP) was reaccredited by the Department for Transport (DfT) on 19th March 2025 following a review meeting in September 2024. MVCRP was one of the first of the growing number of over 75 Community Rail Partnerships across the country to be awarded Accreditation status in February 2020 and was reaccredited in September 2022.
‘Accreditation is formal recognition by the DfT that a Community Rail Partnership (CRP) operates to a high standard and that its objectives and activities are supported by Government.
Accreditation should provide assurance to others, including potential funders and partners, that the CRP operates to high standards of governance and financial propriety; adopts a collaborative approach; is worthy of trust by others; and is a suitable entity for receiving public funds. Further Government considers it a good representative of the local community’ (DfT 2022).
Accreditation recognises that CRPs are delivering the 4 Pillars of the DfT’s Community Rail Development Strategy:
- providing a voice for the community
- promoting sustainable, healthy and accessible travel
- bringing communities together, and supporting diversity & inclusion
- supporting social and economic development
Stephen Sleight, MVCRP Officer, said:
“I am delighted that Marston Vale CRP has been reaccredited again. It is a fitting testament to the commitment & dedication from of our team of over 75 volunteers who do invaluable work in brightening up our stations, overseeing the day-to-day running of Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and assisting with administration and promotion of the Line. Over the last year MVCRP has led the relaunch of the Line following the reintroduction of a full train services.
This has included production of a Marston Vale Line Great Days Out film and Line Guide, and a series of Try the Train journeys with schools & colleges, and groups supporting carers and adults with learning difficulties.
Also the Rails to Roots Wellbeing Garden Group has been set up at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and a variety of diversionary activities provided for young people in Lidlington, including working with a professional artist on eye catching artwork for Lidlington station.
I look forward to working with the local community to install further artwork at stations and celebrating Railway 200 over the year ahead.”
