The rail line between Barton-on-Humber and Ulceby North Junction and the service onto Cleethorpes have been designated as a community rail line, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced on 1 February 2007.

The designated line and service allows for a more flexible approach to be adopted by the train operating company (Northern) working alongside the local community rail partnership. This enables them to manage the service with greater emphasis on meeting local needs. Together they will continue to look for ways to increase patronage and improve the service.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said: "Designation of the Barton on Humber branch as a community rail line is good news for passengers. It will ensure that management look to meet local needs at an affordable price, encouraging involvement from local stakeholders."

Heidi Mottram, Managing Director, Northern Rail said: "Northern welcomes the designation of the Barton-upon-Humber Line as a community rail route. This line plays an important role in the area and helps ensure the vitality of Barton itself as a market town. Designation will assist in identifying innovative ways of developing this line to the benefit of local people and visitors to the area. The community rail partnership for the line is already doing a great job and this will enable it to go from strength to strength."

Dave Walford, Rail Development Officer, Community Rail Humber said: "This is excellent news for this railway route and the communities in Northern Lincolnshire.Since we set up the Community Rail Partnership, just over a year ago; we have been working with the DfT-Rail and the train operators, (Northern Rail), to promote the services along this line. Formal designation may enable us to customise many aspects of the services to suit the needs of local people and businesses. It could have a major positive effect on the economy of the region, along with environmental benefits, while helping to run a more cost effective railway."

The rail services on the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Lowestoft and between Norwich and Great Yarmouth via Acle and Berney Arms have been designated as community rail services, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced on 1 February 2007.

The designated services allow for a more flexible approach to be adopted by the train operating company (One) working alongside the local community rail partnership. This enables them to manage the services with greater emphasis on meeting local needs.

The designated services link at Norwich to the rest of East Anglia and with Central Trains services providing travel opportunities to the entire UK network.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said: "Designation of the Wherry Line services as community rail services is good news for passengers. It will ensure that management look to meet local needs at an affordable price, encouraging involvement from local stakeholders."

Andrew Chivers, Managing Director for 'one' said : "We welcome the designation of the Wherry Lines to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft with Community Rail status. The routes have benefited from a successful Community Rail Partnership over a number of years, which has helped to effectively promote the route, encourage extra rail travel and involve the community more closely. Designation is the logical next step to help us continue to increase rail journeys on these important routes and 'one' will play its part in fostering further success over the years ahead."

Peter Lawrence, Chairman,The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership said: "The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership are pleased about the designation of Community Rail Status by the DfT. We will continue to
seek improvements in publicity and enhancements to the current level of rail services and fares for all the local communities and visitors. It is our aim to be proactive in helping local villages, towns, business and attractions to get more from their local rail services and to work with 'one', the County Council and other transport operators in improving access to destinations from all Wherry Lines rail stations".