A new guide has been launched to help the public have their say on plans for transport schemes in their communities.

The Transport Planning Guide for Local Communities was launched by Hereward Community Rail Partnership, a group that supports the railway line running through March, Manea and Whittlesey. 

The partnership is made up of local councils, train operators, railway user groups, station adoption groups and residents. 

The guide was produced in collaboration with train operator CrossCountry and consists of four main parts.

The first part explains transport planning, highlighting challenges facing communities and the role of local councils in transport planning.

The second part is on how to understand the transport issues your local community is facing.

Part three shows how to identify local solutions, how to address transport issues, working with local transport providers and how to address very specific unmet needs.

The final part provides references on transport policy and objectives, sets out key principles for successful transport planning, lists resources and offers sources of advice and support.

Cllr Chris Seaton, is the chairman of Hereward Community Rail Partnership and Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for transport.

He said: “Good transport planning is of vital importance for quality of life and the prosperity of an area. It has a daily impact on businesses and individuals.

“The Transport Planning Guide for Local Communities demystifies the process and encourages everyone to get involved and share their vital local knowledge.”

The guide was funded £2,000 by CrossCountry’s Community Engagement Fund, which is run by the CrossCountry train operator, and produced by Cambridgeshire ACRE, an organisation working to support rural communities.

John Robson, CrossCountry Regional Director East Midlands & East Anglia, said: “CrossCountry are delighted to support Hereward Community Rail Partnership in their aims to promote greater usage of the railway network and other means of sustainable transport, including local buses, cycling and walking.”

Alison Brown, of Cambridgeshire ACRE, said: “As a charity we were pleased to use our expertise to support the development of this vital guide for rural communities.

“We look forward to using this guide to support our work with rural communities in the future.”

The Transport Planning Guide for Local Communities can be found at: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/www.fenland.gov.uk/TransportPlanningGuide

And also: https://herewardcrp.org/news/hereward-community-rail-partnership-launch-neighbourhood-planning-guide/