Steam trains to return to heritage line after rain

A heritage railway which suspended steam-hauled services due to the fire risk during the hot, dry weather has said they will resume this week.

The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) said steam locomotives would return from Wednesday and meant its Autumn Steam Gala can go ahead from 17 to 20 September.

Bosses said the phased return to steam followed the "significant rainfall it has been waiting for" across Worcestershire and Shropshire.

The SVR switched to diesel engines at the start of August due to the weather and following a blaze on an embankment on its line north of Bewdley.

"At long last, the SVR has received the significant rainfall it has been waiting for, with plenty of much-needed rain falling over the past week," it said.

The return to steam will be phased, with the railway continuing to monitor conditions.

Additional measures will be introduced during the four-day steam gala to mitigate the risk of lineside fires, including water-spraying trains and volunteer fire marshals monitoring the line, bosses added.

SVR services were temporarily suspended on Sunday 2 August while firefighters tackled the embankment fire.

Victoria Evans, of the heritage railway, said at the time the move to suspend services was not solely because of the fire, but also due to "the prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather" and lack of rain forecast.

The SVR said its resident heritage diesel locomotive fleet "stepped up" to cover all regular service trains during August and was supported by various volunteer-owning groups who played a "vital role".

SVR's chief executive officer Gus Dunster said: "I want to give a huge thank you to all the diesel groups and their volunteers who have picked up every one of our service trains during this challenging period.

"They have done an absolutely amazing job, keeping our railway moving and our visitors travelling while we waited for conditions to improve.

"Their support has been hugely appreciated, and it's a great example of the teamwork and commitment that makes the SVR special."

The group added the Autumn Steam Gala promises an intensive timetable featuring four visiting locomotives alongside the home fleet.

Services on Friday and Saturday will run into late evening.

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