WORK to bring the communities on the Heart of Wales line together will be enhanced.

The Heart of Wales Line Community Partnership – which is part funded by Transport for Wales – has appointed a new community rail development officer.

Owen Griffkin will be using the role to engage with communities – including Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery – along the line to build connections with the railway line and to bring the communities together.

Owen has a background in community-led initiatives having worked in Powys in mental health co-production as well a on the lead creative schools project for the Arts Council of Wales.

Owen said: “My work has always involved connecting communities and making sure that projects I work on get to the heart of what people need and want.

“The lead creative schools project was a good example of designing work from scratch that included the involvement of different groups like learners, teachers and parents and bringing their needs together and delivering on the national curriculum in a creative and innovative way.

“I will be focusing on wellbeing, active travel and connecting communities through creative projects. I want to give communities a voice in the services they use and the projects we do.

“The line is beautiful and a real asset to Wales and Borders’ tourism. It has a unique walking trail in place, the Heart of Wales Trail, which weaves its way from Craven Arms down to Llanelli and I will be making full use of this, and encouraging others to do the same.”

The community rail partnership is being refreshed over the next few months with support from Transport for Wales. It is being hosted by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO).

Melanie Lawton, TfW’s community rail strategic lead, said: “We know community rail can drive real change for the better across our network helping make rail travel more accessible and inclusive, which in turn creates a real economic benefit and an opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of people in our communities.

“The Heart of Wales line is one of the most scenic journeys and we’re delighted to welcome Owen and PAVO into the community rail family.”

Interim chair of PAVO, Michele Muireasgha, said: “PAVO is delighted to have taken over as the host organisation for the Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership. We are looking forward to refreshing the partnership so that it is representative of the Heart of Wales line communities, and to supporting Owen in his role as he engages with communities along the line.”

Anyone interested in the Heart of Wales line can find out more at www.heart-of-wales.co.uk and anyone interested in getting involved in the partnership can do so by contacting michele.muireasgha@pavo.org.uk.