‘Together we are tRAILblazers!” is a photography project, which took place on and is on display along the Wigan-Kirkby-Moorfields line.

The project has engaged the young people of Kirkby High school and Hope school to travel the line, taking photos that represent their views and perceptions of rail travel, visiting locations that they would encourage their peers to use rail to access, and responding to the Community Rail Strategy Consultation.

They aim to promote safe and responsible use of the line for other young people, as well as giving them locations to visit that provide free or discounted youth activities. These locations are;

Wigan Youth Zone
Montrose Skate Park
Siding Lane Nature Reserve
Westvale Community Centre
Bootle South Recreation Ground
World Museum

To download the map showing these locations, please click here; ‘Together we are tRAILblazers!’ poster

The young people of Hope school also underwent the Railway Confidence Programme, learning about rail use and safety for young people with additional needs and disabilities.

The photos taken were used to create artwork which is on display at every station from Wigan Wallgate to Moorfields, in partnership with Northern, Merseyrail, Merseytravel, ACoRP, the DfT, Community Rail Lancashire and TfGM.

Posters for the line have been produced (see above) showing locations for young people to visit, and leaflets with the same information has been sent to all 102 local schools to promote responsible and confident rail use.

The project was featured in the Wigan Post;

The project was launched on the 1st of February 2018, at a launch event sponsored by Merseyrail in the fantastic Museum of Liverpool.

This project was funded by the Transport for Greater Manchester Small Grant Fund, the Association of Community Rail Partnerships’ Small Grants Fund and Community Rail Lancashire.

Download the leaflet here; tRAILblazers Leaflet 2 and tRAILblazers Leaflet