The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has appointed Samantha Skyrme as its new chairperson.

The partnership, which promotes the scenic railway for the benefit of local communities, businesses and visitors, aims to strengthen community connections, support sustainable and accessible travel and encourage economic growth along the line.

Ms Skyrme, whose back garden runs alongside the railway, has worked for the Department of Food and Rural Affairs and other UK government agencies as a Senior User Researcher. She brings experience in community engagement and user-focused projects to her new role.

“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to Chair the Heart of Wales Line CRP,” she said.

“The line is a wonderful resource for all of us living nearby and I’m looking forward to meeting more of the vital groups who do such great work up and down the line.”

As chair, she will challenge the CRP to be “bigger, bolder and better”, building stronger community connections with the railway.

The Heart of Wales Line is an accredited CRP recognised by the Department for Transport, Community Rail Network and the Welsh Government. Its steering group includes transport operators, local authorities, destination managers, businesses and voluntary organisations. The partnership is hosted by the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO).

Outgoing chair and PAVO CEO Clair Swales said she was confident Ms Skyrme would continue to strengthen the CRP’s role in connecting people and communities along the line.

Owen Griffkin, Community Rail Officer, added: “Samantha brings a strong background in research and engagement, which will help ensure communities along the line have a real say in shaping both our activities and the future of the railway.”

Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategy at Transport for Wales, said: “We look forward to working closely with Samantha and Owen for the benefit of the community.”