The Severn Valley Railway has set its sights on reopening to the public during August 2020 following an extended coronavirus closure.
The railway, which runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, closed its doors in March as the coronavirus crisis escalated. Over the next few weeks, 1,800 volunteers along with paid staff, which have been on furlough, will be gradually brought back to the railway.
However, the railway faces a huge challenge to prepare for reopening as general manager Helen Smith explained:
“Effectively we had to mothball the railway three months ago, and our heritage rolling stock has been standing around getting rusty and dusty since then. We've got to get our locomotives and carriages back into top condition by overhauling and checking everything. Our stations and garden areas need some TLC too, and we'll be checking every single inch of the track and lineside to make sure we're ready to roll when the time comes.”
There is also uncertainty surrounding how trains will be managed once the railway reopens.
Helen continued “We're working closely with the Heritage Railway Association to make sure we get it right when it comes to safety for both visitors and our volunteers and staff. We have to wait and see whether the Government will reduce its social distancing advice to one metre from the current two metres. Such a change would make it easier to run services and allow us to make a profit rather than a loss. Although it's going to be compulsory to wear face coverings on public transport, we don't believe this will apply to us as a heritage attraction, provided we can maintain the recommended social distancing guidelines.
It is likely that the Severn Valley Railway will run a reduced timetable when it reopens, and will be encouraging visitors to pre-book.
Although specific dates are not available, updates will be made on social media and the Severn Valley Railway website.
Before the railway is back in action, the SVR will reopen its pubs next month. The King and Castle, and the Railwayman's Arms will be serving customers from the 4th July 2020.
The SVR could lose up to £6m this year as a result of months of closure and lower passenger numbers due to social distancing.
The Emergency Appeal has now raised more than £745,000, with the railway also applying for a loan under the CBILS Scheme, and to the National Lottery for an emergency grant.
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Really glad to know that you will be re-opening your magnificent railway,in the near future,Have attended your railway,on numerous occasion,s,and look forward to visiting you again. Along with other Heritage Railway,s,You must have really suffered loss of income,etc,due to this dreadfull Coronavirus Pandemic,All the very best,for the future,see you soon,Roger,(Mr Crew).
I would like to thank all the staff and volenteers at the railway for making the railway as good as it was when my grandad saw it in 1900’s its a lovly railway and long may it continue. I waould also like to take this time to thank all the people who have donated to allow the railway to open in august. Also when i ve bought my grandad to the railway thank you for putibg a smile on his face and you somtimes made the experience so identical he was emotional so thank you
I look forward to your reopening and visiting you. All the very best Dave Costello.
I would like to once again Congratulate the Spectacular Severn Valley Railway on it’s Appeal, Especially on setting the sort of date of hopefully reopening back up and running.
The Severn Valley Railway has been A Heritage Railway within it’s own right for 50 years this very year since 1970… As with other Heritage Railways across the Beautiful British Isles, the SVR also has one of the finest & fascinating fleet of steam locos of Great Western, as well as ex BR Origin, let alone Heritage DMUs Too.
Well Done to the SVR by the way, Let’s Wish them Good Luck on this one.