Rail users invited to Albrighton ramble to increase footfall
A new rail and ramble initiative is hoping to increase footfall in a village after the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Albrighton Parish Council wanted to think of a way to attract visitors to the village after a tough year for traders, pubs and restaurants.
The solution came in the form of a grant from West Midlands Railway Service to start a 'Rail and Ramble' programme. Organisers have planned a walk every four weeks, set up to coincide with train times at Albrighton station. Visitors can alight at the station where they will be met by a volunteer and be taken to the walk starting point.
After a four or five mile walk, guests can enjoy a free cup of tea and biscuit in the Red House Village Hall or visit one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafes the village has to offer – all within walking distance of the station.
Footfall
Peter Illes, a parish councillor and organiser of the Rail and Ramble scheme, said: "As a parish council we were concerned about the way the high street was going, in terms of shops closing.
"Footfall was falling in the village quite dramatically. Whilst we were talking about getting the traders up and running again this opportunity came up. So we went for it. It has obviously taken a year longer than it was supposed to, like a lot of things it should have been the year before but due to Covid-19 it was delayed.
"But we were eventually given a grant of £1,000 from West Midlands Railway for this project. They are obviously keen to ensure the train service is well used. I think it was down to about 18 per cent of the usual number of riders, but it's gone back up to 28 per cent, and hopefully will continue to rise.
"All the details for the walks are on the website and there will be a different walk route each time. Each one is between four and five miles.
"People wanting to join must contact me to let me know they are coming so I can meet them at the station, and take them up to the walk leaders. They will take place every four weeks and it is all volunteer-led."
Visit albrightonrailramblers.co.uk to learn more. The next walk is on June 23 around Donnington Pool and Nature Reserve.
