A new Community Rail Officer will start work in the Conwy Valley this month.

Working for The Conwy Valley Rail Partnership, the new officer, Karen Williams will engage with communities across the valley including Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the North West Wales Coast, Llandudno Junction to Holyhead.

Since launching their Community Rail Vision last year, Transport for Wales is continuing to implement an investment programme in communities across their Wales and the Borders network.

This new role will connect people in North Wales to their railway and deliver social and economic benefits, with a focus on sustainable and accessible travel for local people and tourists.

Excited about starting the new role, Karen Williams said:

“By connecting and encouraging collaboration among businesses and organisations in local communities, we can empower those communities to work better together on a whole range of social, economic, cultural and environmental issues. I am very much looking forward to working with communities across the region.”

“I have worked in the local community for many years, and with Creating Enterprise for almost 2. I am excited to bring my knowledge of working in collaboration with external organisations to the role.”

Transport for Wales is part funding the Conwy Valley Railway Partnership to deliver its wider vision for community rail. The partnership is hosted by Creating Enterprise, a social enterprise committed to investing communities, volunteering and employment opportunities.

Head of Community Rail at Transport for Wales Hugh Evans said:

“Delighted to welcome Karen and Creating Enterprise into the Community Rail family. We know Community Rail can drive real change for the better across our network, helping make rail travel more accessible and inclusive, which in turn creates a real economic benefit and an opportunity, during these difficult times, to support the health and mental wellbeing of people in these communities.”

Information Source: Transport for Wales