Media centre

Wednesday 1 Mar 2017

Network Rail gets behind Willingdon community with £10,000 funding

Region & Route:

| Southern

Willingdon Trees residents are being encouraged to take part in a public vote to decide how up to £10,000 of community funding from Network Rail will be spent. Three community projects are competing for the funding as part of a Network Rail pilot project to work more closely with local communities and railway neighbours.

The projects competing for public support are a monthly family social club and forum, free boxing and railway safety lessons for young people and funding for repainting and renovating Willingdon Trees community centre.

Network Rail’s, route managing director for the South East, John Halsall, said:

“The railway has a major impact on communities as well as passengers. We are committed to working closely with local communities and railway neighbours to ensure that we have a positive impact on the community.  That’s what this project is all about, so please vote and show your support.”

Sussex Community Development Association’s, Emma Jordan, said:

“The railway is a feature of our community here in Willingdon Trees so it’s great that Network Rail is showing its commitment to our community and to keeping people safe. I would urge everyone to get involved and vote for one of these fantastic projects.  “

The projects:

• Free boxing and railway safety lessons

A community boxing club for young people would be delivered at Willingdon Trees community centre. Network Rail funding would pay for boxing equipment and training for up to 6 boxing tutors.  As well as teaching young people how to box, the club would teach members about being safe near the railway.

• Family Social Club and Forum

A family focused social club would aim to bring the wider community closer together through a minimum of one monthly social event for all the family. The social club would be delivered at Willingdon Trees community centre.

• Renovating Willingdon Trees community centre

Willingdon Trees community centre is in need of facelift.  The funding would go towards redecorating the community centre and revitalising the outside space to benefit all local residents, making the centre a more attractive and welcoming community hub.

To vote for your preferred winner please e-mail SustainableDevelopment@networkrail.co.uk and put “Willingdon Trees” in the subject box or you can also post your responses to Sarah Borien, Willingdon Trees Community Project, The Quadrant:MK, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EN. The deadline for responses is Sunday 19^th March.  The winning project will be announced on Monday 20^th March.