Rail Minister Tom Harris gave a new assurance on Thursday (7 June 2007) that the Government "does not have an agenda" for closure of any rail lines in Britain.

He was speaking at the Community Rail conference in London.

Mr Harris reiterated the Government’s support for the community rail movement and highlighted some of the successful projects delivered by Community Rail Partnerships around the country.

The theme of the conference at Camden town hall was Where next for Community Rail?

It was organised by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships and chaired by railway journalist Alan Williams.

The conference heard calls for more engagement with other community groups and with front-line railway staff.

The need for detailed research into marketing on community rail lines was highlighted by Anthony Smith, director of Passenger Focus, to provide a base for future marketing developments on lines.

Anthony also highlighted work being undertaken jointly by Passenger Focus and some train operators to develop the local railway station as a hub of public transport.

Chris Watson, community rail officer for the Poacher Line in Lincolnshire highlighted the need for longer term, secure funding for posts, and the need for officers’ work programmes to dovetail into local government agendas.

David Hibbs of the Department for Transport said it was not envisaged that the Community Rail Development Strategy should be limited to a five-year life.

Stephen Sears of ECT Group outlined ECT’s plans and their Small is Beautiful manifesto.

Two days earlier Mr Harris announced that the Government was providing £44million over the next three years to transfer freight from road to rail under the Rail Environmental Benefit Procurement Scheme.

Information from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

www.acorp.uk.com