THE guard's blown his whistle and waved his flag and Severn Valley Railway has steamed off to new offices in Kidderminster. The town's Mayor Councillor John Campion

cut the ribbon at 1, Comberton Place, which will be the new home for the SVR's staff and volunteers. The move has allowed the railway to bring all its operations under one roof after relocating from its former base in Bewdley.

Last year the SVR board agreed a financial support package with Wyre Forest District Council offices which saw the first floor of the former WFDC Offices in Comberton Place renovated to provide office accommodation for Severn Valley Railway’s Holdings, Guarantee and Charitable Trust activities with 3,000 sq. ft. of cost effective accommodation.

Coun Campion said: "I am delighted that Wyre Forest District Council has been able to work so closely with Severn Valley. Visitors to the railway are a vital part of our local tourist industry and I am proud that we have been able to secure their administrative headquarters in the town. I look forward to see the railway continue to go from strength to strength.”

Nick Ralls, SVR’s general manager, said: “Bringing all of our operations under one roof in Kidderminster, SVR’s most accessible site and main embarkation station, will improve efficiency and be hugely advantageous for staff and passengers. The move will also allow us to consider plans to improve the station at Bewdley.”

The opening ceremony followed more good news for the Railway, after it was awarded a 2014 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. The award recognises businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.