One of challenges facing the Medway Valley Community Rail Partnership is how to keep Beltring station open. It is due to close in 2009 (link below.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltring_railway_stationWell , I'm pleased to say that they havent given up , and want YOUR help :
The Medway Valley Line Community Rail Partnership was set up to help raise awareness of and the profile of the line which in recent years had perhaps received less promotion and attention than it should have done.
The Partnership membership comprises local authorities, town and parish councils, the rail companies, bus operators and other interested parties. It is hosted by Action with Communities in Rural Kent, a Registered Charity, based at 15 Manor Road, Folkestone, CT20 2AH.
By working together, we aim to find new ways to market the line, enhance personal security, improve integration with other forms of transport and improve station environments.
The net goal of course is to encourage greater use of the line by local people and visitors to the area.
Beltring station is by far the quietest station on the line and is remotely placed - and having no nearby post office or library I have arranged for our literature to be available at the local Blue Bell pub.
If you have any suggestions for the improvement of Beltring station, please do let me know, as we are currently updating our action plan for the coming year. You will probably be aware that the station has recently received a complete repaint by Southeastern - into their new corporate colours.
Yours sincerely
Ian Paterson
Community Rail Partnership Project Officer
Medway Valley Community Rail Partnership
01303 850816 office