The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has launched a major appeal to raise £500,000 for the restoration of its locomotive yard at Bridgnorth.
The yard, which is vital for the operation of the entire railway and is used daily for the servicing and maintenance of steam locomotives, desperately needs repair.
Volunteers with permanent way expertise have already developed the most efficient solution for the refurbishment of the yard. They are ready to oversee the work with the same dedication, care, and professionalism that has enabled the railway to complete a number of other important restoration projects across the Railway. One of these is Falling Sands Viaduct, the restoration of which was made possible with the support of generous donors.
As a thank you, everyone who donates £100 or more to the appeal will receive a special edition of the official SVR 2022 season poster. The poster features 4930 Hagley Hall, a popular locomotive that after 36 years is re-entering service this year, and will be a regular visitor to the locomotive yard.
Donations can be made at www.svrtrust.org.uk, and Every donation will help ensure locomotives that rely on the yard can continue running.
Martin White, SVR's head of engineering, said: “The current track was laid in the 1970s using second-hand materials and, through extensive care, has lasted 50 years, which was much longer than we might have expected.”
“However the end of its life is now rapidly approaching. Track work and points are wearing out fast, and drainage across the yard is clogged, accelerating the deterioration of the sleepers. If the track work deteriorates much further, locomotives won't be able to get into the works for maintenance nor have access to the water, coaling, and facilities used daily for locomotive preparation. This would have a severe impact on our ability to run services.”
So they have had 50 years to get the funding in place and they still haven’t managed it. This despite over recent years trying to screw every last penny out of the enthusiasts who visit. I think they should have a long hard look at the management of this company.
I agree wholeheartedly with Tom. I have been a member for over 50 years, investing time and money for many years and my reward for this considerable support is the downgrading of my shareholding and a constant request for yet more and more money. The management and boards clearly cannot produce a budget which allows for the ongoing repair and maintenance of its historic assets.