Severn Valley railway to re-open

Severn Valley Railway general manager Nick Ralls will be at the front of the queue when the line reopens tomorrow.

Storms dealt the railway a knock-out blow last year and severely damaging the track.

Nick arrived at his job after the damage had been done, which means he has yet to experience the magic of travelling by steam for the full length of the line between Kidderminster and Bridnorth.

Staff and volunteers, including marketing manager John Leach, were today getting up steam to put the railway back on track for Easter.

The opening service tomorrow will have the same headboard that was used for the line's first ever service back in 1970.

Nick said: "Having started five days after the disaster of June 19 last year, I am yet to ride on a train the full-length of the line. This will be quite an experience.

"Since I joined the Severn Valley Railway, I think we have all been focused on its reopening."

The final cost of rebuilding the railway, particularly the section between Bewdley and Bridgnorth, after last year's devastating summer floods is now expected to total more than £3.5 million.

Much of the line collapsed because of mudslides following torrential rain.

The Severn Valley still has tens of thousands of pounds to raise to pay for the repair work.

Nick said: "There have been many knock-backs along the way – I remember when we thought the repair project was only going to cost only £1 million.

"The reopening celebrations planned for Easter will help put the Severn Valley Railway back into visitors' minds."

Tomorrow will also signal the opening of a new £4.5 million Visitor Centre at Highley.