Community projects in Sandbach are being invited to apply for funding from a train operator's customer and communities improvement fund. 

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced the release of a second tranche of funding from its new Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF). 

The funding application window opened on (11 November) and runs until Friday, 6th December, looking to support community initiatives across the CrossCountry network. 

Community projects - with a focus on sustainability initiatives - are encouraged to apply for grants. 

A total of £167,095 has been made available throughout the year for community projects that deliver tangible social and environmental benefits.   

CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator based in Birmingham connecting seven of Britain's 10 largest cities delivering 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.    

Jessica Lockwood, CrossCountry's Environment and Sustainability Manager, said: "The first round of applications to our refreshed Customer and Communities Improvement Fund were fantastic, and we can't wait to see what who we hear from in our next tranche of funding. 

Since 1 April 2022, the Customer and Communities Improvement Fund has supported 16 different initiatives across the country, to a total value of £400,000. 

The current funding window is open until Friday 6 December 2024. Applications can be made through an easy-to-complete online form. 

To find out more and to apply to the Fund, visit the application form here