Could Ironbridge to Bridgnorth rail link be restored?

The rusting Severn Valley Railway link between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge could be resurrected as part of multi-million pound plans to regenerate Shropshire's World Heritage Site, it was revealed today.

Telford & Wrekin Council chiefs are looking at ways of alleviating parking problems in the Ironbridge Gorge and introducing a park and ride scheme.

Regeneration chief Councillor Eric Carter said the plans were still in the very early stages and would take several years to come to fruition, but added it was a project he was very keen to make a reality.

He said: "We would like to look at bringing the railway line back to Ironbridge.

"We're talking about many millions of pounds of which, at the moment, we don't have but that doesn't mean we should stop trying.

"It would bring more people in. It is a World Heritage Site and relies on tourism. Without tourism Ironbridge may as well shut the gates and go home."

A Severn Valley spokesman said: "It would be lovely if it happened but I think it would need a lot of work and a lot of consultation."

Councillor Carter added: "We are looking at setting up a park and ride and it is something that we have been looking to do for two years. We have identified a site on the outskirts of Ironbridge."