Mini railway on track

A miniature railway will be returning to Alexandra Park later this month after years of absence.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2016, 11:30 BST

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Park Railway SUS-160202-112505001Park Railway SUS-160202-112505001
Park Railway SUS-160202-112505001

It follows months of hard work over the autumn and winter to get the overgrown train tracks into a fit state.

The task was taken on by Dan Radcliffe, who runs the popular miniature railway at the Stade, in the Old Town.

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Dan explained: “We took over the operation of the railway in November last year.

“Once this was agreed we set to work on the site. We decided to remove near enough everything except bridges and buildings and start again.

“The track has been completely replaced, most of the fences changed, and a new engine shed and turntable built.

Further plans include turning the middle area into a family picnic area, continuing the parameter fences round the site and a mid way station, (for use on planned Christmas specials.

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“We also are looking into opening the railway up for private children’s birthday parties.”

The railway is situated in the upper park, near to the Buckshole Reservoir, with easy access from St Helens Road.

The new railway will be officially opened on Saturday February at 11am. The site is being opened by the mayor and other guests, from 10.30am onwards.

Once opened the railway will be open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day) and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s during the school holidays. Rides will be £1 per person.

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Dan said: “Due to the amount of work undertaken, and that the site came with no engines or rolling stock, the railway at present is not in a financial position to purchase and operate steam trains . The whole site has been transformed, all in a 12 week period, a job that could not have been done without the help of family and friends, and the support of the local community.”

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