Heart of Wales Line welcomes the arrival of new community rail officer

New Heart of Wales officer, Richard Whiting

It’s full steam ahead for new community rail officer, Richard Whiting, who will be delivering the community rail activities to stations and communities along the Heart of Wales Line, which runs from Swansea to Shrewsbury via Llandeilo.

The community rail partnership aims to promote and develop this iconic and scenic railway line for the benefit of people living and working locally, local businesses and of course visitors. The 121-mile line is a gateway to amazing scenery, footpaths, quiet roads, pretty towns and villages and historic landscapes.

Last year the line bore the effects of inclement weather, closure of the line for 6 months and of course the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

Richard will be supported by Transport for Wales and the Community Rail Network to deliver an exciting activities plan, focusing on developing opportunities for active-leisure along the line.  The focus builds on the success of the Heart of Wales long-distance walking trail and hopes to support the recovery of the line and encourage passengers back.

Richard said “I’m very much looking forward to working on the Heart of Wales Line, and hope to work on projects which benefit the line and those communities along the route”

He continued “I’d also like to reinvigorate people’s attachment with the line and remind them of the opportunities it offers for travel to some of the most beautiful parts of Wales. With my enthusiasm for walking, cycling and running, I think I can help promote things which benefit active users of the line, improve what’s on offer and encourage increasing leisure use.”

Geraint Morgan, community rail manager for Transport for Wales, said: “The Heart of Wales Line is one of the UK’s most scenic railway journeys. From supporting our engagement with local communities to attracting visitors, we’re delighted to welcome Richard on board and wish him every success in his new role.”