THE Severn Valley Railway has scotched talk of plans to resurrect an old line that linked Bridgnorth and Ironbridge.
Telford & Wrekin Council chiefs have said they are keen for the multi-million pound project to come to fruition, even if it takes several years.
But SVR spokesperson Lisa Meredith said there were several major obstacles to overcome, which made it extremely unlikely the project would ever get off the ground.
“There was a meeting held by a local group in Ironbridge last week who are apparently trying to resurrect Ironbridge Gorge station,” she said.
“There are no plans to follow this up at the moment as it would need a lot of consultation. It’s also purely because where the railway line used to run through to Ironbridge there is now a large housing estate.”
Other problems include a bridge over Hollybush Road, which formed part of the track, being demolished several years ago.
The bridge also led to a tunnel under Bridgnorth High Street, which would also cost several millions of pounds to make safe and useable before work could begin.
“The line is also now owned by several different people but people can still walk up parts of the old route 45,” said Ms Meredith. “It would take a lot of time and money to get back in contact with all the different people who own the sections of the land.”
Telford & Wrekin regeneration chief Councillor Eric Carter said the plans were still in the very early stages, but added it was a project he was very keen to make a reality. “We would like to look at bringing the railway line back to Ironbridge,” he said.
“We’re talking about many millions of pounds which, at the moment, we don’t have but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying.
“It would bring more people in. It is a World Heritage Site and relies on tourism. Without tourism Ironbridge may as well shut the gates and go home.
“We are also looking at setting up a park and ride and it is something that we have been looking to do for two years. We have identified a site on the outskirts of Ironbridge.”
