Northern seeks ideas for community investment

The train operator is looking to help community schemes across the region as part of its Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF).

The CCIF – a pot of money which can be bid for – has been established to help make a difference to the lives of communities within Northern’s network and is available to any schemes or projects that benefit people in the north of England.

Carolyn Watson, Community and Sustainability Director at Northern, said: “The CCIF will consider a wide range of proposals whether they involve our trains and stations or those that will bring benefit locally across our network.

“We’re open to your suggestions but we’re keen to hear about projects that would help address the key areas such as sustainability, accessibility, safety and security, mental health and wellbeing, and inclusion and positive social impact.

“Schemes that benefit our customers or the local community will all be considered – they don’t even have to be railway related. If they help people we’d love to hear about them.”

Carolyn added: “Even if the project or scheme doesn’t really fit in any of the suggested categories, but does benefit local people, it’s worth getting in touch.

“We won’t however consider projects which provide a commercial return to Northern, require ongoing funding, are feasibility studies into new services, rail lines or stations, or be something that would form part of our existing franchise obligations.”

Applications are open now – the closing date is Wednesday 22 January (23.59) – and can be completed by visiting northernrailway.co.uk/northern-customer-and-community-improvement-fund. Help is also available looking to make an application, just email ccif@northernrailway.co.uk if you have any questions are need assistance filling out the application.

Any bids should be for projects and schemes to be delivered between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2022. Schemes which complete outside of this timescale will not be considered.