PROPOSED names for the Nuneaton to Leamington railway line have been whittled down to the final three.
Over the past couple of months, the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership has worked with local schools and communities to inspire suggestions for a new name for the railway line between Nuneaton and Leamington.
This is a key line linking north and south Warwickshire with Coventry and its range of things to see and do.
There were over 200 individual suggestions including from school pupils, rail enthusiasts, volunteers and member of the community and a shortlisting panel – made up of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, West Midlands Rail Executive, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, and Chiltern Railways – had the difficult task of picking the three names that would form the shortlist.
The Partnership wants a line name that creates a sense identity and the panel chose names that have regional significance and that can inspire people who live along the line and those coming to visit the area using the railways to explore the many attractions along the way.
The final three names are Coventry and Warwickshire Line. The panel concluded this says exactly what this line is.
Elephant and Bear Line was also selected as it refers to the symbols of Coventry and Warwickshire.
And the final selection was the Pioneer Line. The line has a history of local pioneers such as George Eliot in Nuneaton, Lady Godiva in Coventry, Frank Whittle – born in Coventry and educated in Leamington.
Residents can vote for their favourite at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/M63ZJ3K
There will also be a special prize presentation for the winning name at the Partnership’s Coventry Station Community Day at the end of July.
WCC transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said: “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response that was received for the new name of the railway line between Nuneaton and Leamington. It has been an inspiring journey, collaborating with local schools and communities through the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership.
“The shortlisting panel have done a great job selecting three names that capture the essence of this unique line that connects north and south Warwickshire with Coventry. Now, it’s time for the residents to cast their votes and choose their favourite name, one that will not only reflect the area’s identity but also inspire both residents and visitors to explore the wonderful attractions along the way.”
