The Weardale Railway took another significant step forward in its plans to reopen the full 18 miles of line towards Bishop Auckland where it connects with the rest of the rail network when the representatives of Her Majesties Railway Inspectorate visited the line on Monday 25th January. The Inspectors travelled the line in a special train and stopped frequently to examine the bridges, fences and road and footpath crossings. They were pleased by the scale of the work which has been carried out since their last visit in October 2009 and noted the list of remaining works to be completed before the line is fully reopened. These works involve also the erection of signs and warning boards for the train crews and to deter trespassers. With the line being out of use for over 15 years it has, by default, become a walking route in some sections - this will have to cease with the introduction of regular trains. The British Transport police will be undertaking a series of talks and presentations in the area to reinforce this message on the dangers of trespassing on an railway.
Said General Manager Alistair Gregory, “ The railway is on target to complete all the works necessary to welcome the first scheduled passenger train onto the line . This will be a special 12 coach charter train from Kings Cross to Stanhope on February 19th operated by UK Railtours. We understand that the train is fully booked and we intend to use this opportunity to promote Weardale and the Railway by presenting every passenger with a gift bag containing information provided by ourselves and the local tourist information services. We also plan to have the Company's steam engine on display at Stanhope together with some of our heritage railway coaches to provide an atmosphere and also some refreshment. ”
Further railtour visits from Crewe., Birmingham and elsewhere on the Network are planned in the coming months and in the middle of the year the Company plans to introduce a daily community service from Stanhope down the Dale to Bishop Auckland and Shildon connecting there into the Darlington train services. Additionally there are plans to use the railway to carry coal from the recently approved open cast site near Crook to power stations by rail thus avoiding lengthy road journeys. The existing heritage service will continue to operate between Stanhope and Wolsingham. Last year there were a record 25,000 passenger journeys on the Weardale line. Said Alistair “ With the addition of the railtour market and the provision of a community train service, 2010 is going to see a considerable growth in activity on the line due to the large capital injection into the railway by new owners - British American Rail Services and also by the efforts of the over 100 Railway Trust volunteers who assist in operating the trains and work on the track and in the shops and catering facilities. Together the Company and the Trust are hoping to show that the Railway can make a positive contribution to the economy of Weardale by increasing tourist income and by providing an environmentally efficient means of travelling to and from the Dale.”