The Battlefield Line is currently undertaking one of the largest track relaying and drainage projects that it has ever done.
The line is the remaining part of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway that opened in 1873 and is run by the Shackerstone Railway Society. It runs for 5 miles between Shackerstone and Shenton via Market Bosworth.
It normally closes over the winter for maintenance, and whilst it is closed the society wants to relay 16 panels of track in the cutting just south of Shackerstone station and install over 300m of new drainage alongside the trackwork.
Materials that are required for the project include:
- 400 Concrete Sleepers
- 300m Drainage pipe
- new GRP catch pits
- 100 tons of gravel
- 200 tons of ballast
- 600m ground liner
- 1600 track clips
- plus many smaller items!
Unfortunately, due to the current situation, costs are spiralling and the society is appealing for donations towards the project, no matter how large or small.
From as little as £1 all donations will help to achieve this major improvement to the infrastructure and create a more sustainable railway for the future. For example, a £25 donation is enough to purchase a concrete sleeper for use in the new track section.
Donations can be made via the railway line's website here https://www.battlefieldline.co.uk/winter-project
A society spokesman said “The renewal is badly needed as this section of track is highly prone to flooding due to its location, so part of the project is to install over 300m of new drainage alongside the trackwork.”
“This project is being funded by the money raised by operating trains during 2021, but costs are high, particularly due to rises in material costs caused by the pandemic.”
“We are appealing for public donations to help towards the cost, whether that's donating a pound or two for some track clips, a new concrete sleeper, or even a day's digger hire, it all helps towards achieving this huge task and will result in a sustainable railway for many years to come.”
“All donations are gratefully received, no matter how small.
