YOUR MP WRITES (From Worcester News)

YOUR MP WRITES

8:59am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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THIS week, I am writing with unashamed nostalgia about steam railways and promoting one of the best tourist attractions spanning the Worcestershire and Shropshire border.
The Severn Valley Railway is running again after the devastating flash floods of last June and July which led to the huge efforts of repair and reconstruction which are just being completed.
The repairs have cost more than £3.5 million, nearly all raised by contributions from steam railway enthusiasts and because of the railway’s recognised value to the Midlands economy by the European Regional Development Fund, Advantage West Midlands, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Bridgnorth District Council.
The track was damaged in 45 places along the 16-mile route and at some sites, hillsides had to be pinned back with enormous nails and washed-away embankments rebuilt with tons of earth and concrete. Recently, I had the privilege of travelling on the inaugural train pulled by the immaculate, just restored locomotive, Erlestoke Manor.
We travelled the length of the line, through stations and request halts all repainted and polished and over the magnificent Victoria Bridge built in 1861 by Sir Henry Fowler before he built the Forth Bridge. I remember its starring role in one of the re-makes of the film The Thirty Nine Steps when Robert Powell escaped pursuit by leaving the train halted on the bridge. At Bridgnorth we had a short stop and an opportunity to admire the locomotives awaiting duty and to watch Erlestoke Manor run round its train for the return journey.
On the way back, we stopped at Highley for the eagerly anticipated highlight of the trip, a visit to The Engine House, the brand new heritage education and exhibition centre. A short walk from Highley station, standing above the track with panoramic views of the river and railway up and downstream, it is a striking modern building.
Inside for steam enthusiasts is seventh heaven. The double track, with generous walkways and overlooked by a viewing platform, accommodates a carefully selected collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Of course, there is a smart wagon from Highley Colliery reminding us of the coal mining on our doorstep that went on until recently, a brake van complete with heating stove and commentary and a Royal Mail Coach, veteran from the Great Train Robbery.
This is a must for everyone, a splendid trip of interest to people of my age who travelled by steam train and for those who just want a glimpse of transport history.