Cash help for flood-hit railway

Kidderminster's Severn Valley Railway has received a £750,000 funding package to help its recovery after floods forced most of the line to close.

The rescue package is part of £3.5 million worth of handouts announced today by Advantage West Midlands to help businesses in the region affected by the devastating flooding in June and July last year.

The regional development agency has now invested £750,000 in the Severn Valley Railway for repairs in recognition of the significant trade generated by the railway along its route, particularly supporting the Kidderminster and Bridgnorth economies.

The railway suffered damage in 45 separate places along the 16-mile route as a result of the floods.

This forced the closure of the line between Bridgnorth and Bewdley for nearly nine months. The line reopened in March this year.

John Leach, SVR's marketing manager, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support from Advantage West Midlands and other agencies which helped us get the railway back into operation for 2008."

Worcestershire County Cricket Club has also received a £100,000 sponsorship package from Advantage West Midlands.