SVR facing £200k blow

The Severn Valley Railway is still facing a shortfall of between £100,000 and £200,000 as it battles to reach a £3.5 million target to repair its storm-ravaged track.

The "sizeable" funding gap has been revealed despite more than £575,000 in donations by shareholders, volunteers and well-wishers to a Flood Damage Appeal.

Now people are being urged to get on board to help the heritage steam railway get back on track as staff and volunteers gear up to the official reopening of the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on Friday.

The final cost of rebuilding the railway, particularly the section between Bewdley and Bridgnorth, after last year's devastating summer floods is now expected to total more than £3.5 million.

Michael York, chairman of SVR (Holdings) Company, has now appealed for shareholders to visit the railway and encourage as many people as possible to visit and said the appeal was being kept open.

"We really do need every visit we can attract to help us get back on our feet.

"Apart from a train ride, people can enjoy a meal on board one of our Sunday lunch trains, participate in a Murder MYstery dining train, learn to drive and fire a steam locomotive on a Footplate Experience Course and, in addition, there is now The Engine House to experience."

Mr York added that there was now "light at the end of the tunnel".

"After all the trials and tribulations of the last eight months, how refreshing it is to see so many happy smiling faces to witness and enjoy another important milestone in the history of the Severn Valley Railway.'

Friday will signal the return of through trains running between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth and also the opening of the £4.5 million Visitor Centre at Highley.