The Helston Railway has launched an appeal to raise funds to extend the line towards Helston, which will bring tourism and much-needed trade to both the town and the Lizard Peninsula.
The current ambition is to lay new tracks towards Helston, but to do that it needs funds and has set a target of £350,000 for the rails, ballast and infrastructure. The railway currently runs between Prospidnick and Truthall Halt, with a request stop along the way at Trevarno.
Future plans include extending the line back with a new Prospidnick station and access road, as well as providing better facilities. Although this is an ambitious target, it will bring prosperity for both Helston and the Lizard Peninsula.
Funding is needed to purchase tracks and fittings for the extension towards Helston, running costs and infrastructure maintenance, and maintenance of the line's locomotives and rolling stock.
The railway is also looking for volunteers for the many tasks associated with keeping the railway in operation. These include:
- working on the permanent way;
- carriage cleaning;
- helping to keep the stations and gardens looking welcoming;
- maintaining station equipment;
- working in the running shed to maintain the locomotives;
- working on the operational side as conductors, drivers and firemen;
- vegetation clearance along the line.
Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can do so online at www.helstonrailway.co.uk
Its a pity they can’t get financial help to open all of the branch and link it up again to the main line, I’m sure it could be well used by locals and tourists alike now, it would pay dividend
Unfortunately that still leaves more than half the length of the branch to be reinstated. I wish them luck with the rest of it.
David, you’re correct but perhaps you would care to help restore some more of this branch line then.
Such a shame it can’t get to the main line, that would be a huge bonus to the area
Blimey I remember seeing trains on that branch when I was a kid nice to see it reopening a stretch
Anthony Woodbridge
4th January 2024 at 17.05
Although l am now in my late 80’s and not able to physically help but l wish you all the very best with the. Project. I have actually travelled on the brach line when it went from the main GWR line to Helston in the late 40’s
and much more recently at Trevavo.
Totley tunnel east signal box, Sheffield, is still in place. Have you asked about it again, if you need it?
Great project ! Many people like a relaxing day on a heritage railway, the way to go , thank you to the volunteers that make it work , fully support the project !
Such a great place to visit, will definitely grow and grow. Incidentally, it didn’t go to Hayle, it terminated at “Gwinear Road” where passengers changed for main line trains.