DfT designates Glossop Line as a Community Rail Line

 On 25th July the DfT announced that the Glossop and Buxton Rail lines were to be officially designated as Community Rail lines. Good news! The 2 lines now join 19 others in having this designation including famous lines like the Esk Valley, Cornish Branches, Tarka line, Lakes line..... Rail Minister Norman Baker said of the designation that he wants to encourage communities to become more closely involved in the services and stations. He hopes that innovative and cost effective services will be developed. Alan Chapman, Northern's Interim MD, welcomed the announcement saying the designation would help both lines to prosper, benefiting local people and visitors. County Councillor Damien Greenhalgh Chair of the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership also welcomed the designation saying it brings well deserved recognition to the exhaustive work of the partnership in its efforts to improve stations on these lines and their services. Mike Rose of the partnership is to be praised in particular for all his hard work compling the case for the designation. This has taken several years. We at FOGS  are delighted with thee designation and the status it brings and look forward to further shared projects to improve the stations and services on the Glossop Line!