Groundwork North Wales is delighted to announce that both the 3 Counties Connected and Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnerships (CRP) who they host have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 National Community Rail Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in community engagement, sustainable travel, and creativity.
Groundwork North Wales is delighted to announce that both the 3 Counties Connected and Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnerships (CRP) who they host have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 National Community Rail Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in community engagement, sustainable travel, and creativity.
The Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP and the 3 Counties Connected CRP have been recognised for their innovative and impactful projects, marking a particularly special year as the Awards celebrate their 20th anniversary alongside the railway industry’s 200 years of modern railways.
Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership
The Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Community Engagement Project’ category for its electric bike initiative, designed to connect people and promote health and wellbeing.
Funded by Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales, the project partnered with Conwy County Borough Council’s Ffit team to deliver 30 e-bike sessions over 12 weeks. The free sessions, aimed at mixed-ability groups, enabled more than 60 local participants, including 14 young people not in mainstream education, to experience the benefits of cycling without the strain of traditional bikes.
Participants not only enjoyed improved physical and mental health but also built new connections and friendships within their communities.
Karen Williams, Community Rail Officer for the Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP, said:
“It was a great opportunity to work with CCBC’s Ffit team, offering local people a chance to sample e-bike riding in some stunning locations right on their doorstep. Hearing that new friendships have formed, and more people are getting outdoors to improve their health is truly rewarding.”
3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership
The 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, covering Shropshire, Wrexham, and Chester, has been shortlisted for four awards:
Tourism and Leisure: The Tourism Connect project, funded by Transport for Wales, brought together Destination Management Organisations—Visit Shropshire, This Is Wrexham, and Visit Chester and Cheshire to promote sustainable tourism along rail routes. The bilingual 3 Counties by Rail map highlights over 60 attractions accessible by train.
Community Creative Projects and Station Arts: The Wrexham Station Art Project, led by artist Sophia Leadill and funded by Transport for Wales, worked with homeless charities The Wallich and Housing Justice. The initiative transformed the waiting room at Wrexham General Station into a community-inspired space reflecting local culture, memories, and the theme of “Cynefin” (Sense of Place).
Outstanding Volunteer Contribution: Gina Haigh of the Nantwich Station Adopters Group was recognised for her unwavering commitment to station improvements.
It’s Your Station: The Friends of Chirk Station were shortlisted for their ongoing efforts to enhance and maintain the station for the local community.
Josie Rayworth, Community Rail Officer for 3 Counties Connected, said:
“I am thrilled that our Community Rail Partnership has been shortlisted for four awards. This recognition celebrates the hard work, creativity, and passion behind our projects and honours the incredible dedication of our communities and partners.”
The National Community Rail Awards, organised by Community Rail Network with headline partner Lumo, celebrate projects that support social inclusion, sustainable travel, empowered communities, and economic development.
Sarah Chilton, Director of Communications and Policy at Community Rail Network, said:
“2025 is a very special year for community rail and the wider railway industry, and we’re delighted to see so many inspiring entries. Huge congratulations to both Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast CRP and 3 Counties Connected CRP for their shortlisted projects. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at our awards evening in Newcastle.”
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategic Lead at Transport for Wales, added:
“Being shortlisted for these awards is testament to the dedication of both Community Rail Partnerships in connecting communities, promoting sustainable travel, and improving wellbeing. Congratulations to all involved.”
Lorna Crawshaw, Head of Community Programmes & Partnerships at Groundwork North Wales, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see both CRPs recognised at a national level. This reflects the passion, innovation, and hard work of everyone involved in delivering projects that make a real difference to communities.”
The winners will be announced at a high-profile ceremony in Newcastle on Thursday, 13 March 2025, where community rail champions from across the country will come together to celebrate their achievements.
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