Accessing external funding for projects on the line and matching it to railway industry funds has been one of the major strengths of the Development Company since it was founded in 1992.
The first project undertaken by the company was the creation of a tourism strategy, outlining the various ways in which passenger numbers could be increased. This was in response to the challenge from British Rail and the government who wanted the massive increase in passenger numbers seen during the closure in the 1980’s to be either grown or at least maintained. Since that period passengers numbers have almost doubled from around 450,000 to 900,000.
External funding from County and District Councils, European funding, central government funding (plus Regional Development funds and a host of other funding organisations long since wound up) has meant the Development Company have been able to complete a range of projects for the line to improve and preserve the fortunes of the S&C and those who travel and work on the line.
Many of the projects undertaken by the Development Company provide a long-term benefit to the line, to the passengers using the trains and to local businesses. These include:
The stone waiting shelter at Kirkby Stephen
Waiting Shelters
Three new stone waiting shelters providing excellent facilities for passengers travelling on northbound trains from Dent, Kirkby Stephen and Langwathby.
Because of a wide range of restrictions, it was not possible to provide a stone waiting shelter for northbound passengers at Lazonby. A glass and steel shelter has been provided.
A new footbridge at Kirkby Stephen station providing facilities for passengers to easily get from one platform to the other has been provided, overcoming the need for passengers to walk along the A685.
Over the years there have been many promotion and publicity projects. The colourful timetable and lineguide published twice each year, the more recent mini timetable, a range of guides and leaflets including the current and very popular “Ten Reasons” publication. ten reason front minji
- 2 teacher education packs distributed to every school in Cumbria and North Yorkshire
- A major exhibition for the Millennium celebrations and countless other exhibitions and event days.
- A major refurbishment of Settle station in 2008, 2009 and 2010, which included the introduction of renewable energy Biomass stoves, low energy lighting and insulation; new passenger toilets, new staff facilities, new windows and repairs to the structure.
- Installation of Biomass stoves at Appleby, together with insulation of the roof space of the main building.
Appleby
A major refurbishment of Appleby has been undertaken during 2011 with more to come in 2012. Stage 1 of the work has seen the provision of new disabled, gents and ladies toilets, together with baby change facilities. Repairs have been undertaken to the roof and stonework and some windows. All of the windows on the west side of the main station building have been replaced. We are grateful to the support of Network Rail, the Railway Heritage Trust, the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and Northern Rail for their financial support to this work.
This project is to be complemented by further work to be undertaken by Network Rail to refurbish and improve the waiting room on the southbound platform.
Refreshment Trolley Service and Cafe Express, Skipton
The Company introduced an on train refreshment service in 2004 bringing a much welcome supply of refreshments to most services throughout the day. In 2008 the company also opened the cafe at Skipton station, Cafe Express, and based much of the purchasing in both areas on local produce and suppliers. More details about the trolley service are here.
The Development Company and the cafe now employ around 17 staff. The company has a volunteer Board of Directors and the company puts any excess funds back into projects on the line. We are assisted in all we do by our many partners. For more information see our About Us page.
The work of the Development Company is to enable improvements to the line in as many areas as possible. If you are interested in supporting one of our projects or suggesting something you feel may be achievable please get in touch.
