Miniature Railway back on track thanks to volunteers from National Highways and its supply chain

The St Neots Riverside Miniature Railway suffered with recent flooding and was in desperate need of help to get up and running again. 

More than 70 volunteers from National Highways, GRAHAM, Carnell, Chaffin Works and Crown Highways, as well as sub-contractors, stepped up to the plate spending the week to bring the line back into operation and their efforts culminated in the official reopening on Friday, 23 May.

National Highways Project Manager, Dean Birch, said: “The scale and cost of the work required to bring the railway back up to standard was too much to be undertaken without external help and the joint effort was achieved though the National Highways Social Value Plan which gives back to local communities.

“Swapping roads for tracks this week has been a great experience for us and it’s lovely to see so many volunteers from our supply chain helping us to give back to the local community.”

Lynsey Harris, Social Impact Business Partner at GRAHAM, said: “It has been a pleasure to have been involved in this collaborative community project. The volunteers worked so hard over the week to ensure that the space is ready for the summertime fun! Thank you to everyone that has supported the project through volunteering, donations, and offering free services to bring it all together. There has been some great teamwork and supply chain engagement, hence why it has been a huge success – well done everyone!”

The Riverside Miniature Railway is relied on by local schools for SEN children to help get them out of the classroom. The children get the opportunity to drive a train. 

National Highways actively collaborates with its supply chain to deliver meaningful social value by engaging directly with local communities. Through its Social Value Plan, the organisation is creating positive outcomes for people, the environment, and the economy. This includes initiatives like the restoration of the Riverside Miniature Railway. 

For more information about Riverside Miniature Railway and contact details visit riversiderailway.co.uk.

Notes to Editors

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