Steaming ahead with rail plans in Oswestry
A Heritage railway is on track for opening a major extension and a new platform, following the awarding of a national grant.
Cambrian Heritage Railway currently has short distances of line open at its stations in Oswestry and in the village of Llynclys.
A government grant of almost £118,000 from the Rural Development Programme will mean that works to build a platform at Weston Wharf, on the edge of the town, can now go ahead.
Railway leaders say that it will mean passengers will be able to travel to the wharf where they will be able to visit the popular, Stonehouse Brewery.
Chairman of the railway, Roger Date, said the Rural Development Programme panel had considered the Cambrian Heritage Funding application for phase 2 works at Weston Wharf and had agreed the sum of £117,911.40.
The railway will add a further £29,477.85, taking the proposed phase 2 spend to £147,389.25," he said.
"The scheme will deliver a much needed destination for our railway providing a 210 foot long platform, with a full length run round loop alongside the main line with further provision of a siding to access the goods shed and a newly constructed two coach bay platform.
"There will also be a new building constructed to accommodate much needed toilet facilities with connections to mains services, next to the goods shed office which will be refurbished into a period waiting room with display material relating to the site's historical significance."
Mr Date said that the money would also be spent on the landscaping and fencing.
"There will also be a pedestrian connection to the Stonehouse Brewery premises at Weston. Working in collaboration with the brewery there are numerous business opportunities we are planning that will benefit us both and help to develop our respective businesses over future years."
Company secretary, Jenny Pickstock, said rapid progress was being made to make the line from the town centre through to Weston accessible.
"There are a now a large number of people working incredibly hard on the track work, clearing the vegetation and doing other work. Many people have given up holidays and taken leave from work to ensure progress can be made as quickly as possible."
