Shrewsbury pumping station opens doors to visitors

Coleham Pumping Station in Longden Coleham threw open its doors yesterday for a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the steam-driven engines.

Over 100 visitors walked around the station, which is managed by The Shrewsbury Steam Trust, and enjoyed looking at other steam-themed items and machinery on display.

Ian Payne, acting engineering manager, said: "We only open six or seven times a year so people are always interested in coming inside and having a look.

"The whole of the pumping station was open – the machine room and the pumping room; the workshop had steam toys on display and we had a steam operated model railway outside. We had some small stationary engines as well.

"Both beam engines were fired up. We tried to fire them up on Thursday ahead of the open day and it did get a bit smoky because the weather was very still and we had trouble getting the flue to pull the fire. It was quite atmospheric though.

"The day went extremely well."

The pumping station was built in 1900 to pump sewage as part of Shrewsbury's new sewerage system. Coal-fired boilers powered the beam engines, which operated the pumps until 1970.

It is now manned by volunteers who keep the engines working and maintain the equipment.

Mr Payne said the next big project at the station will be to open up the lower ground level to the public, which is currently only accessible via two narrow ladders going through the heart of the engines.

"The lower ground floor is currently bricked up but it would be fascinating for the public to see. It will cost about £4,500 to £5,000 to get it all opened up," he said.

The next open day will be on June 15, and it will also be open on September 13 and 14.