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Avon Valley Railway operate a steam and diesel heritage railway and the tracks will be reused so that vintage locomotives can continue to depart from Bitton station, travelling the old Midland line between Bristol and Bath. The volunteer railway began in the 1970s and has returned the sounds of steam engines to the Avon Valley for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.
The original Portishead to Bristol passenger line was closed in the 1960s. Its planned re-opening, including new tracks for modern trains, would see 50,000 residents connected back into the rail network with stops at Portishead and Pill.
North Somerset Council continues to make the case for reopening the line, which will be subject to a government review following a recent announcement by the Treasury.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Major Projects, said: “I’d like to thank the volunteers from the Avon Valley Railway who have helped us with the track removal and I’m glad the old rails will find a good use on their heritage line.
“The railways were vital in shaping modern Britain, creating growth and opportunity by connecting communities. Avon Valley Railway is a reminder of this important heritage, but also the ways that investment in infrastructure can create possibilities.
“Reopening the Portishead to Bristol rail line stands to be transformative for North Somerset, providing a regular and sustainable transport link with access to regional growth. It is a scheme that is hugely important to us and one that will make a significant difference to people’s lives now and in years to come.
“By working with Avon Valley Railway to clear the old tracks, we’re demonstrating our continued commitment to reopening the Portishead to Bristol rail line. We are still having conversations with our partners and with government and await further details of the scheme’s review.
“We’ve made so much progress on the Portishead to Bristol rail line in recent years and we’re doing everything in our power to ensure things remain full steam ahead.”
Alan Matthews, Chair of the Avon Valley Railway said: “This generous donation in repurposing the old track will be used to improve our railway infrastructure This in turn will make sure our heritage locos and carriages will be able to take local people on a heritage experience for many years to come. Once the track is lifted by the Avon Valley Railway and its contractors, it will be moved to our base at Bitton Station.”
The reopened Portishead to Bristol rail line forms part of MetroWest. North Somerset Council continues to work in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority and Network Rail in preparation of submitting a Full Business Case to the Department for Transport.