Emma Morris, GWR senior community impact manager, and Holly from the Frome team at the new hire bike shed. Picture: Frome Town Council

£15,000 grant will fund hire bikes and new maps to boost Frome rail use

Paul JonesFebruary 17, 20260 Comment0

COMMUTERS will soon be able to hire a bike to get from Frome town centre to the train station – thanks to a £15,000 grant.

As part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, Great Western Railway (GWR) asked for applications to a Customer and Community Improvement Fund for schemes linked to the line.

Frome Town Council (FTC) submitted a successful bid and will receive the money for on-street hire bikes, an on-street hire cargo bike, and new walking and cycling maps linking the station to the town.

All are aimed at better connecting residents and visitors to and from rail services, as well as increasing footfall around the station and into the heart of Frome.

FTC has teamed up with Frome Community Bike Project to provide the on-street hire bikes that will be arriving later this month (February) at Station Approach.

Hire bikes and more will soon be on offer at Frome Train Station. Picture: Google

Project spokesperson Emma Parker 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, March 22, 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, added: “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.”