Disused tracks donated to help heritage railway

Sections of a disused railway line between Bristol and Portishead have been donated to a heritage railway.

Volunteers at the Avon Valley Railway, based in Bitton, lifted the tracks, which are not suitable for modern trains.

The original Portishead line closed in the 1960s, and there are plans to re-instate it, though these are currently in limbo after recent government announcements.

Alan Matthews, Chair of the Avon Valley Railway Company, said: “This generous donation will be used to improve our railway infrastructure."

Plans to restore the railway to Portishead have been ongoing for years, but were recently under threat after the new Labour government announced it was axing a scheme to re-build old railway lines.

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council said: "We are still having conversations with our partners and with government and await further details of the scheme’s review.

"I’m glad the old rails will find a good use on the Avon Valley Railway."

A full business case to re-open the Portishead line is ongoing for submission to the Department for Transport.

The Avon Valley Railway runs for three miles between Bristol and Bath on the former Midland line.

It celebrated its 50th birthday earlier this year.

Avon Valley Railway Trustee Joseph Dean said: “With the donated track we are looking to launch our yard remodelling at Bitton, which will see tracks adjusted for more efficient storage.

"Remaining track will be used for track renewals and potentially further restoration of the historic route in the future.”

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