Under the guidance of new Chairman David Northey, the Cotswold Line Promotion Group Executive has agreed an ambitious new direction, setting out a long-term vision that looks beyond protecting today’s railway and instead plans for the next generation of passengers and communities.
Our focus is now on developing a North Cotswold Line Manifesto – a strategic vision that will shape investment, influence Local Plans and engage with elected representatives ahead of future elections. The aim is simple: ensure that the railway is at the heart of community growth, economic development and sustainable transport for decades to come.
Over the coming months we will be working closely with parish and town councils, station groups and local communities to identify priorities at every station. These could include:
🚆 Better train services and improved timetables
🅿️ More station parking
🚌 Stronger bus and rail integration
🚲 Improved cycling facilities
♿ Better accessibility
🚉 Enhanced station environments and passenger facilities
The Executive also agreed to strengthen its communications by expanding social media activity, refreshing the website, introducing a modern membership system and creating a single, clear media voice to keep supporters informed.
Working groups are being refreshed to ensure closer links between timetabling, infrastructure, accessibility, stations and community engagement, recognising that all these elements must work together to deliver a better railway.
The meeting also agreed to explore replacing the former Oliver Lovell memorial bench at Moreton-in-Marsh Station, subject to discussions with GWR and Network Rail on installation and future maintenance.
The next phase of work will see station representatives brought together for online workshops before wider community engagement begins later this year, helping to build a manifesto that reflects local aspirations right across the line.
This is an exciting new chapter for the Cotswold Line Promotion Group. Together we are moving from simply promoting the railway to shaping its future—creating a railway that supports thriving communities, better connectivity and sustainable growth for generations to come.