Heatherslaw Railway ready to steam into future

Posted by The Journal on Nov 5, 09 11:29 AM in News

It's full steam ahead for one of the North East's most picturesque tourist railways after a cash boost.

Heatherslaw Light Railway on the Ford and Etal estate in north Northumberland, has been awarded £42,530 to complete work on a steam locomotive.

One North East's Chrisi Page with director of Heatherslaw Light Railway Paul Smith and Mick Ferguson driving the steam train

One North East's Chrisi Page with director of Heatherslaw Light Railway Paul Smith and Mick Ferguson driving the steam train

The grant has come from the Northumberland Uplands Local Action Group which delivers money from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) managed by One North East.

The visitor experience at the attraction will be improved as the increased capacity of the extra steam locomotive and two extra carriages to reduce waiting times.

It will also mean visitors will be guaranteed a trip on a steam-hauled train, rather than the substituted diesel engine at peak periods.

The news comes after One North East revealed that it has been a record summer for tourism in the region with occupancy rates at 85% from July to September 2009 for self-catering properties - the highest it has been since One North East took over responsibility for tourism in 2003.

Figures also revealed that many of the region's attractions also saw an increase in visitor numbers this year with major events like the Great North Run having an impact on occupancy levels.

The improvements will secure the existing six jobs at the railway and create a further full time and part time job.

It is also estimated that 10 jobs in the local economy will be secured and a further three will be created as a result of the trickle-down effect of an additional 40% boost to visitors to the railway by 2011.

Paul Smith, director of Heatherslaw Light Railway, said: "This funding will allow us to complete a steam locomotive that is currently 50% built and construct two new 16-passenger capacity carriages and consequently ensure that our visitors will be much more likely to get a steam trip. Inevitably, when there is a period to wait for such a ride, some people decide to go elsewhere so these improvements will increase our visitor numbers.

"Some people also think they aren't getting the 'real' experience when they have a ride on the diesel train so satisfaction will also be increased. It is a real boost for our business and the local economy."

Heatherslaw Light Railway is a 15 inch narrow gauge railway which runs from the working Heatherslaw Corn Mill to Etal Village. It was founded by Neville Smith and Sidney Ford over 20 years ago and following Neville's untimely death earlier this year, is now run by Sid with Neville's son, Paul.

The company will use the funding to pay for external expertise to complete the new steam locomotive that Neville began to build over four years ago.

Alan Keef Ltd - a specialist steam locomotive manufacturer and restoration company with an international reputation - will carry out the completion of the locomotive. Existing staff have the experience to complete the additional two carriages to keep costs down.

Tom Burston, Local Action Group co-ordinator, said: "The group is delighted to give its backing to this family tourist attraction that will now be able to guarantee a real experience of riding on a steam train.

"The new train and carriages will mean that the business will become more sustainable and allow it to grow as a key attraction in the area. We are hoping that other neighbouring businesses in and around Etal will also be able to capitalise on an increase in visitor numbers to the area."

The railway is matching the RDPE investment bringing the total new investment to approximately £85,000. The funding has also included consultancy support from Adam Wellings Consulting, who has worked with the business over the last few months.

He said: "The lack of an additional steam engine meant the business couldn't capitalise on all its other assets and really grow the business. This investment will help Heatherslaw enormously."

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