Full steam ahead for awards success

: Thursday, 04 October 2012 11:13

Our new partnership Visitor Information Point at Matlock Station was among the winners as the Derwent Valley Line collected an amazing five awards at the National Community Rail Awards 2012.

From left, Peak Rail's Joint Managing Director Jackie Statham, Steve Slinn and District Council Chairman Cllr Geoff Stevens MBE at the Matlock station Visitor Information Point

Peak Rail and the District Council collected a second place award for 'Best Station Retail Outlet' for the Peak Rail Shop & Visitor Information Point.

The work to transform the Matlock station building into a bright, welcoming shop and information point for visitors also received a highly commended award in the 'Station Development' category.

Councillor Geoff Stevens MBE, Chairman and Deputy Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council, said:

"In these tough economic times partnerships are absolutely vital and it's terrific that the new Visitor Information Point at Peak Rail's Matlock Station shop, which only opened earlier this year, is winning accolades so soon.

"A physical presence for visitors at strategic points throughout the Dales is important to the District Council and we hope Peak Rail are also seeing the benefit of increased footfall and interest in their brilliant attraction."

The Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership received three accolades, including first prize in the category of Small Projects for its 'Get on track for great school trips' project to encourage school groups to use the train.

The Partnership also picked up a second place award for the marketing of this project, and a third place for Best Marketing Publication for its 'Where will you go tonight?' promotional leaflet promoting special summer evening train fares.

Councillor Garry Purdy, Chair of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership said:

"I am absolutely delighted by these five Community Rail accolades which provide national recognition for the Derwent Valley Line".

Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service and Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, said:

"It's great to see the Derwent Valley Line receive this recognition. As one of the fastest growing community rail lines in the country, we're pleased to be playing our part in delivering successful services along this route and would like to pass on our congratulations to all involved in achieving such national recognition."

The Community Rail Awards happen annually, run by ACoRP (the Association of Community Rail Partnerships). The awards recognise the best Community Rail projects from around the country, celebrating best practice and publicly rewarding excellence in the community rail field. This year's awards were held in Swindon on 28 September.

The Derwent Valley Line accolades collected at the National Community Rail Awards 2012 were:

First prize in Small Projects Award for 'Get on track for great school trips on the Derwent Valley Line'
Second prize in Best Marketing Publication for 'Get on track for great school trips on the Derwent Valley Line'
Second Prize in Best Station/Train Retail Outlet for 'Peak Rail Shop and Information Point at Matlock Station'.
Third prize in Best Marketing Publication for 'Where Will you go tonight?' promotional leaflet and posters promoting special summer evening train fare.
Highly Commended in Station Development category for 'Peak Rail Shop and Information Point at Matlock Station'

The Derwent Valley Line has been one of fastest growing passenger lines in the country with more than a doubling of passenger journeys in the last four years.

The Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership works with East Midlands Trains and other stakeholders to develop and promote the Derwent Valley Line between Matlock and Derby.