Grant for Bluebell ensures full steam ahead
IMPROVEMENTS to the Bluebell Railway project can go full steam ahead after a £25,000 grant was secured.
The Mid Sussex District Council donation means work to restore the Imberhorne Viaduct remains on track.
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Bluebell Railway
The Bluebell Railway Preservation Trust received the funding as part of the district council's annual review of not-for-profit organisations that require help with community projects.
The viaduct comprises 10 arches, spans 200 metres and is a pivotal part of Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension Project from Kingscote to East Grinstead.
Restoration work to the viaduct began in 2002, but further repairs to the arches, additional repointing and improvements to drainage are needed before it is fully restored.
The Bluebell is now the only heritage railway in England that relies on steam power for passenger services and is a popular tourist attraction.
The service provides steam railway travel within Mid Sussex and takes passengers through some of the many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
MSDC cabinet member for health and community Christopher Snowling said: "The extension of the Bluebell Railway into East Grinstead is a project that is likely to bring great joy to many local people and attract people both within Mid Sussex and from all over the country.
"I'm extremely pleased that we have been able contribute £25,000 to this worthwhile endeavour and we wish the preservation trust every success in its efforts to finance the removal of the contents of the rubbish tip blocking the final link into East Grinstead."
The extension of the railway line is expected to cost around £4 million.
6 Comments
by Colin, Uckfield
Wednesday, April 22 2009, 10:00PM
“The MSDC grant is a mere drop in the ocean to what this council cost the railway in the 1980s when it forced the volunteers to hold a public inquiry into the East Grinstead extension. For people with long memories it will need more than £25K to atone for its sins.”
by Jon, E G
Monday, April 20 2009, 2:07PM
“Referring to Richard Wrights letter, Richard the E G Town Council plus Mid Sussex probably agreed in the first place to allow tipping in St Margarets loop or just turned a blind eye to the fact, why should it be up to the Bluebell Railway to fund the clearing of the ground, yes i totally agree that all donations would be gratefully recieved and that is why i am a share holder in the venture.
My point was, that is has taken hundreds of volenteers in the first place to get the line to where it is today, where were the Council years ago when the Bluebell was struggling for finance, it seems that they the Council always want their piece of cake just as the hard work has been done and the job is almost finished”
by Richard Wright, Hurstpierpoint
Monday, April 20 2009, 12:24PM
“I'm delighted to assume from his comments that Jon of EG sems able to match the Council's £25K grant and hope the Bluebell will receive his cheque soon. I'm sure he will be given the recognition and thanks that are due to the Council and to anyone else who wants their name associated with the work. MSDC gets my council tax and I'm really pleased they chose to spend some of it on the Bluebell.”
by Jon, E G
Saturday, April 18 2009, 4:10PM
“All the hard work done over the years by many volenteers, now watch the Vultures and Councillors come in for their free tickets and take the credit, typical”
by T.C.Hull, Walthamstow
Thursday, April 16 2009, 9:00AM
“As a member of the Bluebell Railway I am very pleased that this sum of money has been donated. But, as P.A. Forrestier Smith commented, there is still a large amount needed to complete the project. Rich benefactors welcome!!”
by P.A. Forrestier Smith, Seated
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 10:43AM
“I am delighted to learn such a useful grant has been made which will allow the completion of the restoration work on the viaduct.
The article mentions the cost of the whole project at £4 million.
It would be even better news to find someone funding that. Offers invited.”