Family to restore 'iconic' Clevedon miniature railway


Emma Coles will now run the miniature railway, years after she first spent time there

A miniature railway is going to be restored by the family that used to run its "iconic" Rio Grande train.

The miniature railway, which loops around the Salthouse Fields next to Clevedon's marine lake, opened in 1952 but has been left unused in recent years.

The family of Len Harvey, who ran the railway's Rio Grande train, has won a bid to get it running again. Emma Coles and her family have been appointed operators by North Somerset Council after a competitive process.

Coles said: "I'm excited to show my vision of what it can be like and what it was, to bring it back to Clevedon for children to enjoy it the way I did when I was a child."


Emma Coles was just eight years old when the Rio Grande train first arrived at Salthouse Fields

Coles was just eight years old when the Rio Grande train first arrived at Salthouse Fields - brought there by her father. "I remember just being with Dad when it was delivered very vividly," she said. "The Evening Post came and the headline in the Evening Post was my dad's new train. It was a very special day for my family."

The distinctive steam locomotive was one of several miniature engines to run on the railway over the years.


The family plans to restore a "fully operational" Rio Grande miniature railway

Council cabinet member Mike Solomon said he was "thrilled" the family were taking on the railway. "Their personal connection to the railway and their plans for improving the site align perfectly with our vision for a vibrant, welcoming seafront," he said.

In addition to planning a "restored and fully-operational" Rio Grande miniature railway, the Coles family plans to create a station cafe, redevelop the adventure golf course and refresh the children's rides area.

Scarborough Station clock tower restored as part of £14m upgrade



A railway station clock tower in a seaside town has been "painstakingly" restored to its former glory as part of a major upgrade.

Scarborough's Grade II-listed station is also getting a new roof, drainage system and an improved waiting room and ticket office as part of the £14m scheme.

A recent grant of £203,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust has meant the gold clock tower's four faces could be individually restored at the same time, said Network Rail, who carried out the work.

A spokesperson added that works are due to be completed by the end of March and the additional funding meant the company had been able to "deliver more benefits than originally planned".


The golden-coloured structure is part of the Grade II-listed station's refurbishment

Network Rail also confirmed workers would remain on site after the project's completion for the controlled removal of asbestos found in the station's social club, ticket office and cafe. However, the areas remain open and pose "no risk to the public", though the cafe will be closed from 30 March for up to three weeks.

Ann Shannon, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: "The main project is on track for completion as planned this month, but some of our colleagues will be working at the station for slightly longer because of the asbestos we've recently identified."


The upgrade is due to be completed by the end of March

Roof repairs were started after a glazing failure in 2021 and the station was made safe and full restoration began in spring 2025. Network Rail said Scarborough's coastal location also meant other considerations had to be implemented such as hawks to prevent seagulls nesting during the main roof work and specific types of tile, paint and timber being used because of the salt-heavy sea air.

Shannon added: "We're grateful for everyone's patience and understanding while we address this safely and responsibly."

Rosyth-Dunkerque proposal.

Mark

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/27/scotland-france-ferry-dunkirk-regeneration-plan

Scotland-France ferry link moves closer with £3 million UK Government commitment

Investment will upgrade vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port.
From               Scotland Office, HM Treasury           Published                       19 March 2026

A direct ferry route from Scotland to Dunkirk has today moved a step closer thanks to a £3 million UK Government commitment.

Funded through the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund, the investment will support the upgrade of vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port. It was announced today [19 March] by the Scottish Secretary ahead of a visit to the Rosyth to meet senior figures from Forth Ports, international ferry operator DFDS, and the operators of the Port of Dunkirk.

The UK Government’s £3 million funding is subject to the conclusion of a commercial agreement between Forth Ports (operator of the Port of Rosyth) and a ferry operator, as well as approval of their business case...

Mathieu Girardin, Executive Vice President and Head of DFDS’s Ferry Division, said:

    We are pleased to see the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening port infrastructure in Rosyth. This is an important step in bringing a new route between Scotland and mainland Europe closer to reality. While a few elements still need to be addressed, we see strong potential in the route and look forward to continuing our discussions with all partners involved to move the project forward.

New £5m footway connecting Taunton station to town centre opens


The new walkway will cut people's travel time from the station

A new £5m footway linking a major railway hub and the nearby town centre has opened, four years after being given planning permission.

The Firepool Boulevard now connects Taunton Railway Station directly to the county cricket ground, and onwards to the centre of town, through a yet-to-be developed plot of land.

Previously, it would have taken around 25 minutes to walk to the town centre along main roads from the station, with journeys now taking around six or seven minutes.

The Somerset Council lead member for economic development, Mike Rigby, said the footway would have a "decent impact" on people in the town.

The footway took around seven months to construct and cost around £5m, paid for by the government's future high street fund. The walkway had been planned to open in March, but faced a number of delays.

Rigby said: "It's taken longer than we'd have hoped. We had some unexpected issues like finding some asbestos on the site that needed a solution, but here we are, it's done... I'm happy with how it looks."

He also said the work was part of a wider scheme "to deliver that Firepool master plan" and make the area more attractive to developers.

(BBC article continues)

Not infrastructure per se, unless you count trackside fencing, but…

Extensive disruption this afternoon at paddington with all lines blocked due to a trespasser at Southall. 

To my recollection this is the 3rd such incident in the past fortnight.  Does the great western line have a track security problem?

New footbridge plan given go-ahead for Earley rail station


Wokingham Borough Council gave the project the go-ahead earlier this week

A railway station's footbridge will be replaced after a council gave a plan the go-ahead.

A steel bridge will be built at Earley station, in Station Road, following Network Rail's application.

Wokingham Borough Council gave the project approval on Thursday so work can be completed.

Network Rail said the work is part of a "cyclical programme of operational property repairs and renewals", which it said will ensure it is meeting safety, statutory and contractual obligations.

Fatal train derailment inquiry closing submissions conclude



The closing submissions in a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) after three men died in a derailment in Aberdeenshire have concluded.

The train's driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury died in the crash at Carmont, near Stonehaven, on 12 August 2020.

The train derailed after hitting debris washed from a drain following heavy rain.

Evidence in the FAI was heard earlier this year, and closing submissions were heard on Monday, and then on Tuesday morning. Sheriff Lesley Johnson's determination will be issued at a later date.

During a court case in 2023, Network Rail was fined £6.7m in court for a series of failings in connection with the crash. It admitted a number of maintenance and inspection failures before the crash, as well as failing to warn the driver that part of the track was unsafe, or tell him to reduce his speed.

The accident happened after what was described as a once-in-a-century level of rainfall in the area in a short period of time.

The FAI heard that rail network is now better prepared for the risks of extreme weather than when the train derailed.

The first day of closing submissions had heard the train derailment was "avoidable".

Alex Prentice KC, for the Crown, told the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) that Network Rail had "acknowledged their failings, in the course of the criminal prosecution and this inquiry". He added: "Sadly, this was an avoidable tragedy."

Prentice said the drainage system had not been installed according to its design, and health and safety files had not been retained. He put forward a number of precautions for the sheriff to consider, and said if they had been acted on then the outcome may have been different.

Peter Gray KC, representing Network Rail, told the inquiry the events of 12 August had shaken the train operator "to its core".

It is not yet known how long it will take for the sheriff's eventual determination to be finished and published.

Aberfan disaster survivor Jeff Edwards 'honoured' to receive OBE from King Charles

This story contains upsetting details that some may find distressing

Aberfan disaster survivor Jeff Edwards said it was "a great honour and a privilege" to be presented with his OBE by King Charles.

The then eight-year-old was one of 240 pupils at Pantglas Junior School when a coal waste tip came crashing down a hillside, engulfing the school and surrounding homes, nearly 60 years ago. On that day - Friday 21 October 1966 - 116 children and 28 adults died in the close-knit Merthyr Tydfil community.

Edwards was given his OBE for his services to fellow survivors of disasters, to charity and to the community in Aberfan in a ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Edwards, who is the Deputy Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, was the last child to be brought out alive from the wreckage of the school.

He told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that it was "absolutely wonderful" to receive the honour from the King, who he had hosted on his last visit to Aberfan when he was Prince of Wales. "He said 'nice to see you again Mr Edwards', because I've met him several times before, and he enquired as to how the wives' group were doing because he has got a favourite spot for them," he said.

Edwards said he had also met the Queen on several occasions and "she always used to call me 'the boy with the white hair'".

"I said to the King, little did I know an eight-year-old buried in the disaster in Aberfan would be standing before the King and receiving this medal, it's totally unreal really," he said.

Recalling what happened on 21 October 1966, he said: "I remember a thunder sound before the disaster happened and the teacher reassuring us that it was only thunder and the next thing waking up with a dead girl on my shoulder." He said he could see light coming in above him and he heard screams and shouts around him.

Edwards was dug out by fireman Roy Thomas, who he was reunited with many years later when he was Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, adding that he was glad to have been able to personally thank him "for saving my life all those years ago".

Edwards said it was important that his experience of being involved in the disaster could inform the development of services for other people. The former High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan said: "I think it's important really that survivors of any disaster or any tragedy have the proper support for them to get through the trauma of being involved in such an accident."

He said he had been involved in the Hillsborough Charter for the bereaved and survivors. This included "working with people from Hillsborough, from the Manchester bombing and from Grenfell in getting together a charter that all public services in Wales have now adopted as an important way forward".

The Hillsborough Charter is an effort to learn lessons from past mistakes where victims were unsupported, ignored or blamed by those that should have been there to support them. It compels bodies such as the police to tell the truth and avoid "defending the indefensible". Each signatory will be expected to be open, honest and transparent with victims, and when they face public inquiries.

14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00

14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00 will be cancelled.

This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58

15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.

This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

"It looks like it always did, where did all the money go?"

Minor change to 23:08 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads service

Due to engineering work, the 23:08 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads service will change direction of travel between Lawrence Hill and Bristol Temple Meads, and arrive at Bristol Temple Meads approximately 7 minutes later than normal.

Storm Dave set to batter UK with gales and blizzards over Easter weekend

Storm Dave has been named by the Met Office and threatens to bring severe gales and blizzards in the north of the UK over the Easter weekend.

Yellow warnings for wind and snow have been issued for Saturday night and Sunday with a deep area of low pressure expected to pass across the north-west of the country.

Damage, power cuts and travel disruption are likely.

It is just one part of a very mixed Easter forecast which will bring heavy downpours alongside spells of warm sunshine.

Huge temperature contrasts across the USA and Canada have helped to supercharge the jet stream - the flow of strong winds high in the atmosphere that spins up weather systems and guides them around the globe. And confidence is growing that this will propel a deep area of low pressure towards the UK on Saturday.


The centre of Storm Dave is expected to pass across the north of Scotland

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind covering all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as large swathes of northern England and north Wales.

The warnings are valid at various times on Saturday afternoon, overnight and into Sunday. Widespread gusts of 50-60mph (80-97km/h) are expected with the chance of 70mph (113km/h) gusts in exposed areas, especially around coasts.

Central and northern parts of Scotland could see winds peaking at 80-90mph (129-144km/h) with large waves bringing dangerous conditions along the coasts.

Winds as strong as these bring the threat of damage, power cuts and significant travel disruption. Some roads and bridges could close, which could have major impacts on what is predicted to be the busiest Easter in four years for drivers.

Disruption to train and ferry services is also possible.

(BBC article continues)

12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57

13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56

20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Leaves a southbound timetable gap from 06:29 to 11:31.  On a frequency like ours, every train matters.

I think in this case the good reason was the train involved may well already have been on the Avon Valley line when it was stopped.   Realtimetrains shows the delay was at the junction, but following trains towards Chippenham were not disrupted so the line must have been clear.  It could have been put into the goods loop but I am not sure that is cleared for passenger use.

<soapbox>Co-incidentally, I was just in the process of (locally) writing up our summer Melksham timetables for this summer as your email landed, and chatting with Lisa as to how we simply tell people about the best way from our town into Bristol which is such a major regional destination.   Google came up with six options for an immediate departure, all different routes, over the next two hours … and then we got on to talking about how the information is combined and available, pos and cons, and the fares.

The journey from Melksham to Bristol is such that you can more or less walk up to any one of eight different routes as far as Bath.  Returning home, it’s a bit of a nightmare as the routes diverge from each other in Bath and you have to know / research which one there happens to be a service on next or indeed if it’s running outside core hours and how long the wait is for the next service.   The icing on that unholy cake is also being aware of fares and fare implications, and whether services are running to time or you are going to be dumped at [change place] with a wait of 2 hours plus …

Joining up better is so much overdue.  I was talking that through with a community friend the other day and it’s a given that in London this works already.


And I would hope more that just “cities and towns”.  How about all public transport irrespective of whether passengers are travelling through brown or green?
</soapbox>

Better Connected: tap-and-go travel across trains, trams and buses announced in government's new transport strategy

Strategy sets the direction for a more joined-up transport network that works better for passengers, drivers and communities across England.

Tap-and-go travel across buses, trains, and trams will benefit more cities and towns across England after the government announced more local powers for contactless travel today (2 April 2026). 

Local leaders are being given the tools to replicate joined-up systems already in place in areas like Liverpool, London and Nottingham, where passengers travel seamlessly across the city on different transport while tapping their bank card as payment – without juggling multiple tickets or apps. 

Limpley Stoke bridge again.  Stopped the stock from Bristol reaching Westbury.