'Light at end of the tunnel' as next phase of Bridgnorth Cliff Railway repairs gets go-ahead

While one section of the wall was fixed in May, a row erupted after the owner of Bridgnorth Cliff Railway, Malvern Tipping, refused to give the town council permission to carry out the second tranche of repairs.

Dr Tipping had argued the council "had served the wrong paperwork" and declined to sign the documents.

Bridgnorth Town Council denied the paperwork was incorrect and said the extended works could not begin until the Cliff Railway owner returned the signed documents.

Following months of delay, agreement has now been reached for the works to proceed on the second section of the retaining wall.

Following discussions between the cliff railway’s surveyor, its insurer’s solicitor, and Bridgnorth Town Council, an agreement has now been reached to sign off the necessary documentation.

Dr. Tipping said: "After several months of impasse, I am delighted that with both parties having instructed their respective party wall surveyors, a way forward has been agreed. At long last, we can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“I have asked the cliff railway’s general manager, Karl Braden, to impart the good news to those former employees made redundant at the outset of this saga, because many have expressed a wish to return - though I expect that some may learn of this through the columns of the local press.

“Meanwhile, I thank Karl and our engineer, Barry Evans, for undertaking routine administration and maintenance during our unfortunate closure.

"I also take this opportunity of thanking the cliff railway’s insurers, NFU Mutual, for the fabulous support which they have given us during these very trying times. In due course, we will be announcing when we will be able to welcome back our passengers, many of whom have been enquiring on a daily basis.”

Bridgnorth Town Council said once the work on the next stage begins, completion will take six weeks and will see Castle Walk closed, but a date has noy yet been confirmed when the work will start.

Councillor Rachel Connolly, Mayor said: “We are now very keen to re-start the work at the retaining wall at the cliff railway. It was unfortunate it took longer than anticipated to obtain the signed paperwork, but we are extremely pleased this has been concluded”.