Cash for Island Community Projects up for Grabs

South Western Railway is seeking to invest £20,000 from its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund in community projects on the Isle of Wight. This is part of the £300,0000 funding for community projects on the Island announced last year.

SWR is looking for deliverable projects linked to the railway that have clear social or community benefit. Applications are welcome from community projects big or small, and can be made for all or part of the available funding.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director for South Western Railway, said: “The Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) will help to support projects that have a real community benefit or address an area of social need on SWR’s network.

“We still have £20,000 of funding available and I would encourage organisations and community groups to apply before the application window closes on 12 August.”

To date SWR has agreed to fund the following community projects:

  • Isle Access – Installing an accessible café, facilities and information office at Ryde Esplanade Station
  • Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership – Refurbishing community rooms and facilities at Sandown Station
  • Isle of Wight Bus and Rail User Group – Installing a bus waiting shelter at Shanklin station.
  • Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum – Improving the lineside frontage and improving signage.

The fund is now accepting applications for funding. Applications must be submitted by midnight on 12 August 2018. Details of the successful bids will be announced in December 2018.

Further information can be found on the on the South Western Railway website