Telford Steam Railway on track to reopen

Telford Steam Railway could reopen in time for Christmas – five months after it was forced to close following a serious accident at the site.

Paul Hughes, chairman of the volunteer-run attraction in Horsehay, was airlifted to hospital when his legs were crushed by a piece of railway track on July 2. The attraction has remained closed ever since.

Dave Angell, marketing director, today said there was a chance the popular attraction could reopen to visitors in the coming weeks but the usual full train service would not be able to run.

The annual Santa Specials, which attract hundreds of visitors, will not be able to take place this year but he said it would be nice to be able to celebrate the festive season in some way.

He said discussions were taking place about reopening so visitors could enjoy the facilities such as the popular miniature railway and the model railway.

Mr Angell said Mr Hughes was also recovering well – he was now walking on crutches and again being involved in the steam railway.

Mr Angell said: "We are re-wording our rule books and reviewing our systems as requested.

"We are hoping to do something for Christmas even if we are not running full trains.

"If we manage to get everything in place in time we could reopen – we are certainly looking at that possibility. I'd ask everyone to keep in touch with any updates via the website."

An investigation by independent rail safety regulator the Office of Rail Regulation has been completed and the steam railway chiefs have been advised on what they ned to do, including the strengthening of some infrastructure.

Mr Hughes was working with five volunteers at the site on Bridge Road when a piece of the railway line fell from the station's handpowered crane and landed on his legs.

He was airlifted to University Hospital of North Staffordshire for emergency surgery and has undergone further operations since.

Mr Angell added: "Paul has had all of the metal work removed from his legs and he is walking with the aid of crutches. He's doing very well.

"He is also back involved with the railway and is planning his wedding for next year which has been booked for 18 months."

For updates on the railway visit www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk

By Kirsty Smallman