OTD - 2nd March 1953 - Passenger service to Highworth ceases

[whole diary]

[grahame]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highworth_branch_line

The Highworth branch line operated a service for paying passengers from 9 May 1883.

[snip]

The line was not commercially successful as a passenger route. Following nationalisation, services were proposed to be withdrawn by British Railways in 1952 although the goods service would remain open.The passenger service closed on 2 March 1953, while goods services from Highworth to Kingsdown Road continued until 3 August 1962.

[ellendune]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highworth_branch_line

The Highworth branch line operated a service for paying passengers from 9 May 1883.

[snip]

The line was not commercially successful as a passenger route. Following nationalisation, services were proposed to be withdrawn by British Railways in 1952 although the goods service would remain open.The passenger service closed on 2 March 1953, while goods services from Highworth to Kingsdown Road continued until 3 August 1962.

Surely it means Highworth Junction (in Swindon) to Kingsdown Road Junction (for Vickers)

[Bmblbzzz]

I've often been to Highworth but I never realised it had once had a railway. Would this be the same line that you can see branching off to the north-east a short distance to the east of Swindon station, that (I think) serves the BMW Mini factory?

[ellendune]

I've often been to Highworth but I never realised it had once had a railway. Would this be the same line that you can see branching off to the north-east a short distance to the east of Swindon station, that (I think) serves the BMW Mini factory?

Yes that is the stub of the Highworth branch. It serves the Mini Factory and European Metal Recycling