Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (MVCRP) was reaccredited by the Department for Transport (DfT) on 7th September following a review meeting in August. MVCRP was one of the first of the growing number of over 70 Community Rail Partnerships across the country to be awarded Accreditation status in February 2020.
‘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. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, MVCRP was able to arrange a ‘Santa’s Special’ Grotto last Christmas, celebrate the 175th Anniversary Year of the Marston Vale Line, and further develop our Symbol Spot Trail (the first of its kind in the country). I look forward to resuming our special themed trains and developing our ‘Try the Train’ Programme for schools and community groups over the year ahead.”