£120,000 boost for Oswestry heritage tourist railway plans

Oswestry Town Council is to give the funds to the Cambrian Heritage Railways Ltd to develop a tourist railway between the town centre station and Weston.

There the railway would develop a visitor centre connecting to the adjacent Stonehouse Brewery. Passengers could also visit other places in the area.

Railway bosses say the attraction would bring in 20,000 visitors a year and an extra £1.28 million to the local economy.

Trustees who have been meeting councillors, say the figure could be even higher as most of the footfall would access and leave the railway via the Station Building in Oswald Road which, compared to some tourist railways, is a lot closer to the town it serves.

The town council has agreed to provide a grant of £120,000 on the basis of the business case presented and the potential economic benefits to Oswestry.

Work is dependant on structural improvements to the Salop Road bridge, work that Shropshire Council has pledged to carry out.

Town Mayor, Councillor Vince Hunt said: "The Town Council is very keen to support this project to ensure it succeeds and to recognise the work of the Trustees and the members of Cambrian Heritage Railways Limited over many years.

"The project has significant potential economic and tourism benefits for Oswestry that makes it worthy of our investment. We recognise the hard work that has gone into developing the business case and the many volunteer hours given and the funding that has already been achieved.

"We also appreciate the support of Shropshire Council in their commitment to repair the bridge at Salop Road that is vital to this project. “

On behalf of Cambrian Heritage Railways, Chairman Rob Williams said, “We are extremely grateful to Oswestry Town Council for their support and vision in making this grant. This is a reflection of the many hours put into our project, not only by our members but also our external supporters and Shropshire Council. This grant forms a vital part of our funding and support package to deliver a Heritage railway between Oswestry and Weston Wharf.

"The creation of a one and a quarter mile heritage railway with Oswestry station being so close to the town centre will clearly bring noticeable benefit to the town. We are an entirely volunteer run organisation so if anyone is interested is getting involved in any capacity then please to get in contact with us.”