Competition to find a new name for Warwickshire railway Line

During the last few months, local schools and communities in Warwickshire have been sending in suggestions for a competition to find a new name for the railway line between Nuneaton and Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.

The line is an important link between north and south Warwickshire and Coventry, and the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership has been looking for a new name that provides a link with the area.

Voting for the competition will close next Saturday, 10th June. So far, the judging panel received over 200 responses, with suggestions coming from students, rail enthusiasts, volunteers, and members of the local community throughout the area. Residents of the area can submit their suggestions here.

The Nuneaton to Leamington Line is the only whole line that connects the wider Warwickshire area with Coventry. As there are many amazing places and opportunities in the area, the Partnership was looking for a name for the line that creates an identity.

The judging panel consisted of representatives of Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, West Midlands Rail Executive, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, and Chiltern Railways. With over 200 names to choose from, the panel had the difficult task of coming up with a shortlist.

After much deliberation, the panel chose names with a regional significance that can inspire both people who live along the line and those visiting the area who choose to use the railways to explore the many attractions along the way. The three short-listed names are:

• Coventry & Warwickshire Line – which reflects exactly what the line is. It is a simple name, such as the Cross-City line that runs north-south through Birmingham, whereas this line runs north-south to connect Coventry with north and south Warwickshire.
• Elephant & Bear Line – which refers to the symbols of Coventry and Warwickshire. The elephant and bear both have cultural and historical significance with places along the line., which is the only railway line that serves the two areas.
• Pioneer Line – which remembers the history of the many famous people and amazing pioneers that come from Warwickshire and Coventry, such as George Eliot from Nuneaton, Lady Godiva from Coventry, Frank Whittle who was born in Coventry and educated in Leamington.

The winning name is due to be announced this week, and a special prize presentation will be held for the winning name at a Partnership Community Day to be held at Coventry station at the end of July.

Further information about the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership can be found at https://www.heartcommunityrail.org.uk/, and more details about public transport in Warwickshire is online at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/public-transport

Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, said: “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response that was received for the new name of the railway line between Nuneaton and Leamington Spa. 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.

“I would like to offer a special mention to students at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Leamington and Little Heath Primary School in Coventry as their students suggested some brilliant names including The Adventure Line, Respect and Love Line, and The Elephant Express.”