Proposed access improvements to Bourne End Railway Station

A GWR train at Bourne End Railway Station. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Council)

Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded £18.6K funding from Great Western Railway’s (GWR) 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 2022 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.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council, 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.‘

Tom Pierpoint, GWR Business Development Director, 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.‘

*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.