Turbo 165 train

Buckinghamshire Council to consider access improvements to Bourne End station thanks to £18,600 GWR grant

Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded £18,600 funding from Great Western Railway’s Community Fund to explore opportunities to improve access for those walking, wheeling, cycling or taking the bus to Bourne End railway station.

The council successfully applied for a grant from the train operator’s Community Fund, which was launched in May to support local communities and address areas of social need.

As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

A feasibility study commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council will consider:

  • provision of a new safe crossing to the station on Station Road
  • improving station accessibility
  • improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling routes to the station

The council will also be working closely with GWR on a proposal to improve facilities for bus users by creating a new bus interchange at the station.

These measures will make it easier for people to complete low carbon multi-modal journeys, combining rail, bus and active travel.

The outputs of the feasibility study will be used to inform future bids for full delivery funding.

Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, said:

“This timely and welcome funding from GWR will help us look at the feasibility of improving pedestrian access to Bourne End Railway Station. We are aware of the positive change that improving station access would bring in the area and we’re working with the South West Chilterns Community Board, local Members and the Wooburn & Bourne End Parish Council to explore the best ways to making such improvements.”

GWR Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said:

“The Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.

“GWR is passionate about making its trains and stations accessible to all. The council’s feasibility study will consider a series of measures to assist customers making their way to the station, which is a real positive.”

Contact Information

John Carter

Media and Communications Manager

Great Western Railway

0845 410 4444

John.Carter1@gwr.com

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us