A project to connect Frome Train Station and the town centre has received a £15,000 grant from Great Western Railway.
Frome Town Council successfully applied for a grant from the train operator’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, which was launched in January 2025 to support local communities and address areas of social need. The focus of the projects is a connection to the Railway, marking 200 years since it was founded.
As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
Frome Town Council’s successful bid includes on-street hire bikes, and on-street hire cargo bike and new walking and cycling maps linking the station to the town. This will better connect residents and visitors to and from rail services and benefit Frome by increasing footfall around the station and into the heart of Frome Town centre. Frome Town Council have teamed up with Frome Community Bike Project to provide the on-street hire bikes that will be arriving late February and will live on Station Approach.
Project spokesperson Emma Parker, Project Officer said: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding from Great Western Railway, which will promote walking and wheeling routes from the station to the town centre, encourage more people to use our train services and give people the opportunity to try out a cargo bike! The hire bikes will be arriving at the end of February and Frome Community Bike Project are planning a cycling celebration event on Sunday 22 March to showcase all of the cycling support available in Frome plus there will be the opportunity to find out how to hire and use the on-street hire bikes and cargo bike.”
GWR Senior Community Impact Manager, Emma Morris, said: “Our Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a superb programme that allows us to invest locally in projects that have a positive and meaningful impact for our customers and our communities. As we mark Railway 200, it’s also a chance to celebrate the lasting impact the railway has had over two centuries — connecting people, creating jobs, and supporting the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve. We’re delighted to support the cycling initiative, which will help provide greater and greener integrated travel choices for both the community of Frome and for those who are visiting the town.”
More information about the celebration event on 22 March will be published soon.
