SVR repair bill to hit £2m
The bill to repair the flood-devastated Severn Valley Railway is expected to rise to a shock £2 million – double original estimates, it was revealed today.
An aerial survey of the track between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth has revealed the damage is even worse than first feared will and delay reopening by up to three weeks.
Bosses at the beleaguered attraction sent a helicopter into the skies yesterday to survey the full extent of the damage along the 16 mile long line.
The pictures revealed that a 40ft high embankment immediately north of Northwood Halt, Bewdley, had slipped by several feet taking mature, deep-rooted trees with it.
The landslide has given residents a clear view of the track when previously it was surrounded by trees. Bosses were hoping to reopen the Bewdley to Arley section by the end of July but it could now be September.
Rebuilding costs could exceed £2 million, twice the initial estimate. Generous donations have pushed the flood appeal fund to £150,000 in just three weeks.
Grant aid awarded by Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund could amount to £1.25million.
But even with insurance settlements, the railway still faces a major cash shortfall.
Civil engineering contractors have been on site this week, making test borings.
