£1m lifeline for SVR
A £1 million lifeline was unveiled today to restore the flood-ravaged Severn Valley Railway to its former glory.
The bulk of the cash – announced by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) – will be used to help reopen the whole length of track between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth after parts were washed away in torrential rain.
AWM estimates floods cost tourism in the region about £20 million.
It includes £500,000 towards the repair of the railway, £250,000 towards the £4.5 million Engine House visitor attraction project in Highley – which was also hit by severe floods last year.
The remaining £250,000 will be spent on marketing and publicity to get the attraction back in the public eye again.
A public appeal was launched to help raise £1 million needed to repair the line which was washed away in 45 places during recent storms and to claw back revenue lost while the service has been cut back.
It had been predicted it would it would take months for the track to fully re-open again. But chiefs were hoping to slash that wait today.
Advantage West Midlands chief executive John Edwards said: "The Severn Valley Railway is a unique attraction. We need to get it up and running again as quickly as possible."
Severn ValleyRailway spokesman John Leach said volunteers were"extremely grateful" for the support from Advantage WestMidlands in helping to get the track back in operation.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the SVR Flood Damage Appeal can do so by debit or credit card by calling 01299 403816 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm or by cheque payable to Severn Valley Railway Flood Damage Appeal via The Railway Station, Bewdley, DY12 1BG.
