Weardale railway steams again

Date: 2004-07-17, Publication: The Journal

At precisely 11.15am today the unmistakable sound of a steam locomotive rolling into action will signal success for an 11-year battle to re-open a rural railway line.

It is 51 years since the last regular passenger service ran on the Weardale track, which closed to freight in 1993.

Today, the Weardale Railway Project runs its first passenger trains for heritage trips on a five-mile section of the line between Stanhope and Wolsingham, which is on the fringe of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

By 2006 the aim is to have more than 18 miles of line open, linking Eastgate and Bishop Auckland, with nine stations either rebuilt or restored.

The £3.5m project is part of a wider drive to boost the economy of Weardale after the blows of foot-and-mouth and the decline of industries like mineral mining and cement manufacture.

The first train today, with a sell-out 265 passengers, will be seen off by local MP Hilary Armstrong and Sir William McAlpine, chairman of the Weardale Railways, to a fanfare by Stanhope Silver Band.

The train will stop at Frosterley station where a Frosterley marble sculpture will be unveiled on the platform.

The Wolsingham station will be opened by Margaret Fay, chairman of One NorthEast, which has been one of the main backers of the project.

"There might be a few tears in some eyes when the train pulls away," said railway spokesman Steve Raine.

Sir William said: "Tremendous efforts have been made by comparatively few people to bring about this re-opening. It is anticipated that the thousands of tourists who come to Weardale each year will be augmented by many more who wish to travel behind a steam locomotive."

The aim is to create a link from Bishop Auckland to the National Railway Museum attraction at Shildon in County Durham, with vintage stock from the national collection running trips along the Weardale line.

For now, Weardale is using a hired locomotive - built by Stephenson and Hawthorn in Newcastle - from the Tanfield Railway and another from the North East Locomotive Group.

Steve says: "Weardale is the heart of the North Pennines. The views are magnificent and the area is outstanding for its paths and bridleways and the railway will allow people to enjoy it all unhindered by traffic.

"It also provides a useful base for walks between stations along the banks of the beautiful River Wear."

Volunteers have played a big part in the operation and the Weardale Railway trust has 600 members.

The project has attracted a wide range of backers including the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Inquiries to (0845) 600-1348 or the Weardale Trust on (01388) 526 262, or www.weardale-railway.org.uk.

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