Grants for community groups to improve rail stations

Castleton Station Flowers provided by The Friends of Castleton Station

Community groups that look after rail stations across Greater Manchester are now able to apply for larger grants for improvement projects.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is increasing the amount Friends Groups can apply for to £500 (previously £250), and Community Rail Partnerships can now apply for to £1,500 (previously £1,000).

The money comes from TfGM’s £20,000 Small Grants Fund. The funds can be used by Friends Groups and Community Rail Partnerships for projects that improve stations and benefit local communities.

Michael Keating, TfGM’s Rail Stations Officer, said: “These boosted grants mean groups can plan even bigger and more ambitious projects to improve our city-region’s stations.

"We are lucky to have such a dedicated network of volunteers who give their time for free to make our stations better for everyone.

“I know they are full of brilliant ideas and this fund will help them become a reality. I look forward to seeing the plans people come up with.”

The Small Grants Fund is part of TfGM’s strategy to enhance stations by developing local ownership, improving the environment and boosting regeneration.

Existing Groups can apply for funding on the Association of Community Rail Partnerships’ website.

People interested in adopting their location station should contact TfGM’s community rail team at: community.rail@tfgm.com.