Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company - Install Biomass stoves

Full steam ahead Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company was set up after Settle Carlisle Railway was threatened with closure. A not for profit organisation, the company supports improvements across the railway's 10 stations to ensure the continued running of what has become a national symbol. Project managed by Marion Armstrong, the company recognised inadequacies with the heating and lighting at the various stops and suggested to the railway that improved facilities were needed for the passengers, which resulted in the railway offering initial funding. Marion was put in touch with York and North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum (BEF) via Yorkshire Forward's micro-generation project:

Marion Armstrong, project manager for Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company.

"The Settle Carlisle Railway is England's most scenic railway and a line steeped in history. It allows access to some of the finest and most remote scenery in England. The Development Company wanted to investigate ways to improve conditions at the stations and waiting shelters for passengers, whilst also reviewing the impact on the environment and how it could be sustainable for the future.

"The help and advice BEF gave us was invaluable. They provided guidance on insulation and helped us to access funding for the installation of two biomass stoves that will be put in place of the original Victorian stoves in the waiting area and the major replacement of lighting. Without their help and support the project wouldn't have run nearly as smoothly."

BEF's business environmental coordinator Ruth Collins says: "The important work of Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company has ensured a bright future for the railway. By adopting vital environmental initiatives they have helped reduce the railway's environmental impact and ensured a better service for its passengers."

BEF provided Renewable Energy grant funding through the 'exploiting the advantages of environmental technologies' scheme. The grant scheme enabled eligible businesses to access up to £4000 of match funding to purchase and install renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, photovoltaics, geothermal, wind and water power, fuel cells and energy crops.

The BEF funding programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward, and is managed by Business Link York and North Yorkshire.