Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Electronic Travel Authorisation if coming in to the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374107/29537/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:39, 12th April 2026 |      |
From the BBC:
Dual national Londoner stranded in Spain by new border rule
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa is staying with family in Spain until the issues are resolved
A London-born woman has been left stranded in Spain and "petrified" for her career after being caught out by a recent overhaul of UK border rules.
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa, a 26-year-old British-Spanish dual national, was born and raised in Islington and has lived in the UK her entire life. However, she was denied boarding on a return flight from Amsterdam on 2 April using her Spanish passport.
Under rules introduced on 25 February, dual nationals can no longer enter the UK using a foreign passport alone. They must now present either a British or Irish passport, or possess a digital certificate of entitlement. The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with international standards.
Cochrane De La Rosa said it was an "utter surprise" and she had no idea the rules had changed for dual nationals, when she booked the trip to Amsterdam with friends. She had previously travelled back and forth from the UK on her Spanish passport without issue before the rule change.
After being denied boarding on the Amsterdam to Luton Airport flight, she spent a night in the Dutch capital before travelling to Spain to stay with family. "I have a career, family and friends in the UK. My whole life is in the UK," she said. She told BBC London her case was "nuanced" due to historical nationality laws because her parents were unmarried when she was born in 1999, which meant her British father could not automatically pass on his citizenship.
Despite paying taxes and voting in the UK, she said immigration lawyers had told her the situation put her in a legal "grey area". Cochrane De La Rosanow faces the difficult choice of applying for a British passport, which could take about six weeks and risks rejection due to her birth circumstances, or paying £589 for a digital certificate of entitlement.
"It's terrifying and I'm petrified," she said, pointing to the risks to her employment if she is forced to remain outside country for a long period. "The country has a duty of care. I am 100% a dual national," she said. "[The government] has all the relevant information, how has this been missed."
Cochrane De La Rosa criticised the Home Office's communication of the new rules and how they would impact dual nationals. She said the changes were "not amplified" and if she had known she would not have travelled and "sorted out my paperwork from the comfort of my home".
"No one has slept. My family have been up all night. My sisters and parents are distraught," the Londoner added. "This isn't just about my story but the effect these changes will have on others. Others who don't have the same resources, connections, maybe even literacy, [and] financial security to be able to cope with these changes."
The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with countries like the US and Australia, which require citizens to travel on national documents. A spokesperson said: "Since 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK." They defended the government's communication of the changes, stating that a "substantive" campaign had been running since 2023, with specific guidance for dual nationals available since October 2024.
While overseas passport applications can be processed in as little as four weeks, those without one can apply for a digital certificate of entitlement, which the Home Office says now only needs to be applied for once, the spokesperson added.
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa is staying with family in Spain until the issues are resolved
A London-born woman has been left stranded in Spain and "petrified" for her career after being caught out by a recent overhaul of UK border rules.
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa, a 26-year-old British-Spanish dual national, was born and raised in Islington and has lived in the UK her entire life. However, she was denied boarding on a return flight from Amsterdam on 2 April using her Spanish passport.
Under rules introduced on 25 February, dual nationals can no longer enter the UK using a foreign passport alone. They must now present either a British or Irish passport, or possess a digital certificate of entitlement. The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with international standards.
Cochrane De La Rosa said it was an "utter surprise" and she had no idea the rules had changed for dual nationals, when she booked the trip to Amsterdam with friends. She had previously travelled back and forth from the UK on her Spanish passport without issue before the rule change.
After being denied boarding on the Amsterdam to Luton Airport flight, she spent a night in the Dutch capital before travelling to Spain to stay with family. "I have a career, family and friends in the UK. My whole life is in the UK," she said. She told BBC London her case was "nuanced" due to historical nationality laws because her parents were unmarried when she was born in 1999, which meant her British father could not automatically pass on his citizenship.
Despite paying taxes and voting in the UK, she said immigration lawyers had told her the situation put her in a legal "grey area". Cochrane De La Rosanow faces the difficult choice of applying for a British passport, which could take about six weeks and risks rejection due to her birth circumstances, or paying £589 for a digital certificate of entitlement.
"It's terrifying and I'm petrified," she said, pointing to the risks to her employment if she is forced to remain outside country for a long period. "The country has a duty of care. I am 100% a dual national," she said. "[The government] has all the relevant information, how has this been missed."
Cochrane De La Rosa criticised the Home Office's communication of the new rules and how they would impact dual nationals. She said the changes were "not amplified" and if she had known she would not have travelled and "sorted out my paperwork from the comfort of my home".
"No one has slept. My family have been up all night. My sisters and parents are distraught," the Londoner added. "This isn't just about my story but the effect these changes will have on others. Others who don't have the same resources, connections, maybe even literacy, [and] financial security to be able to cope with these changes."
The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with countries like the US and Australia, which require citizens to travel on national documents. A spokesperson said: "Since 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK." They defended the government's communication of the changes, stating that a "substantive" campaign had been running since 2023, with specific guidance for dual nationals available since October 2024.
While overseas passport applications can be processed in as little as four weeks, those without one can apply for a digital certificate of entitlement, which the Home Office says now only needs to be applied for once, the spokesperson added.
| Re: Crackdown on traditional carriages threatens ‘Hogwarts Express’ trains In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374106/28578/47] Posted by bradshaw at 15:25, 12th April 2026 | |
Rail Advent has this article
West Coast Railways has reached an agreement with the Office of Rail and Road that will see Central Door Locking installed across the fleet of Mark 1 carriages that they use on the mainline.
These carriages have been used on charter services, including the ever-popular Jacobite, for 25 years, and WCRC says that they understand how much passengers value this as part of their experience.
Last year, The Jacobite used Mark 2 carriages, but following feedback and an evaluation of the costs associated with this coaching stock, the operator has approached the Office of Rail and Road to bring back Mark 1 coaches into use.
The charter operator is working with the ORR to finalise a timeline of CDL fitment so that the 2026 Jacobite season can start.
The start of the 2026 season has been delayed but a start date is not yet known but will be shared as soon as possible. West Coast says it is working with the ORR to come up with a plan that “balances the technical requirements of the installation with the goal of commencing the 2026 Jacobite season”.
These carriages have been used on charter services, including the ever-popular Jacobite, for 25 years, and WCRC says that they understand how much passengers value this as part of their experience.
Last year, The Jacobite used Mark 2 carriages, but following feedback and an evaluation of the costs associated with this coaching stock, the operator has approached the Office of Rail and Road to bring back Mark 1 coaches into use.
The charter operator is working with the ORR to finalise a timeline of CDL fitment so that the 2026 Jacobite season can start.
The start of the 2026 season has been delayed but a start date is not yet known but will be shared as soon as possible. West Coast says it is working with the ORR to come up with a plan that “balances the technical requirements of the installation with the goal of commencing the 2026 Jacobite season”.
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2026/04/jacobite-steam-train-will-run-in-2026-as-cdl-deal-agreed-with-orr.html
| Re: EU Border control delays - entry / exit system In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374105/29537/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:14, 12th April 2026 | |
Media seems "full" of this ... did we have a coffee shop thread wider than just Eurostar?
We did - so I'll combine them into this specific topic here.
CfN.
| Two in hospital after bus crashes down embankment on A9 near Aviemore: 12/4/2026 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374104/31867/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:04, 12th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Two in hospital after bus crashes down embankment on A9
The bus left the A9 just north of Aviemore
Two people have been taken to hospital after a bus crashed down an embankment on the A9 north of Aviemore.
A large emergency response involving firefighters, ambulance crews and police was triggered after it left the road near the Granish Junction at about 9:40 on Sunday.
Police Scotland said two people were taken to hospital for treatment but no details were given about the extent of their injuries.
The bus is believed to be an electric vehicle operated by Ember. The A9 was closed for about two hours but has now reopened.
The bus left the A9 just north of Aviemore
Two people have been taken to hospital after a bus crashed down an embankment on the A9 north of Aviemore.
A large emergency response involving firefighters, ambulance crews and police was triggered after it left the road near the Granish Junction at about 9:40 on Sunday.
Police Scotland said two people were taken to hospital for treatment but no details were given about the extent of their injuries.
The bus is believed to be an electric vehicle operated by Ember. The A9 was closed for about two hours but has now reopened.
| Re: Squirrels - red, grey or albino, on the railways or otherwise - ongoing discussion In "The Lighter Side" [374102/5560/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:18, 12th April 2026 | |
An update from the Yorkshire Dales, from the BBC:
'I'm selling the red squirrel reserve my parents created'
Red squirrels are native to the UK but their population has been driven to the verge of extinction by grey squirrels
When Jane and Hugh Kemp started planting Christmas trees in their woodland in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1960s, they had no idea what would take up residence in the conifers 25 years later.
At first, they were in disbelief. But the newcomers' striking orange-red colour and bushy tails were unmistakable.
Red squirrels had moved into Mirk Pot Woods, near Snaizeholme, and they remain there today on a reserve where they can live wild while the land is managed to protect them.
The Kemps have now both passed away and their son Magnus is selling the 37-acre site in the hope that it will be taken on by a wildlife enthusiast who will continue his parents' legacy.
"We couldn't figure out how they got here. We still don't know how they got here. Red squirrels had not been seen in this area before."
Red squirrels are mostly found in Northumberland and Cumbria, and there are thought to be less than 40,000 left in the country, according to Forestry England's squirrel policy advisor.
The endangered species' biggest threat is the grey squirrel which carries - but is not affected by - a pox that causes red squirrels to die.
The Mirk Pot squirrels have thrived and are now seen in gardens in nearby Hawes and Bainbridge, and in 2025 a new colony was identified in a sitka spruce plantation in an undisclosed location nearby, which the landowners agreed to support.
Magnus and his brother have inherited the woods as well as the farmhouse where they grew up. Much of the surrounding land is still managed for commercial forestry, but the squirrel refuge his parents built is tranquil and undisturbed.
"My mother was a massive naturalist. For my father, although he started off being very keen on trees, the enthusiasm for nature wore off on him, and he became very enthusiastic about protecting those squirrels and the environment."
In collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the late landowners created the viewing area and trail for the public and continued to ensure that all decisions regarding planting and woodland management prioritised wildlife conservation and ecological health.
The woods are for sale with a guide price of £500,000, as the Kemps' sons do not live in Yorkshire and are unable to continue their work.
Jane died at the age of 92 in 2021, and her husband Hugh a decade earlier aged 84.
"It was my parents' dream. It makes me quite emotional to think about what they did," said Magnus, 59. "When they came here, the place was a barren hillside and all of the trees that you can see were planted by them. In terms of wildlife, there was none, and now the place is teeming with birds, and we've got the red squirrels. Their legacy is incredible."
The sympathetic woodland management meant other forest species, such as Scottish crossbills and roe deer, flourished as well, and the presence of the rare pine marten has been suspected over the years.
The Woodland Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have both supported and recognised the Kemps' work. As the Christmas tree plantation was wound down, native broadleaf species were planted in their place. "We've still got plenty of conifers of cone-bearing age so there is going to be plenty of food for the squirrels for a long time."
Chartered surveyors Jonathan Wallis have been handling the sale of Mirk Pot Woods since they first went on the market around a year ago. They said the sale of the property offered a "rare opportunity" to take on a meaningful role in preserving the woods and their wildlife.
"Its rich mix of planting and sensitive stewardship has made it an important part of wider conservation efforts across northern England. Beyond its ecological significance, the woodland has become a much-loved destination for visitors, offering a peaceful retreat for walkers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its unique character and accessibility have allowed many people to connect with and appreciate this exceptional environment."
Red squirrels are native to the UK but their population has been driven to the verge of extinction by grey squirrels
When Jane and Hugh Kemp started planting Christmas trees in their woodland in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1960s, they had no idea what would take up residence in the conifers 25 years later.
At first, they were in disbelief. But the newcomers' striking orange-red colour and bushy tails were unmistakable.
Red squirrels had moved into Mirk Pot Woods, near Snaizeholme, and they remain there today on a reserve where they can live wild while the land is managed to protect them.
The Kemps have now both passed away and their son Magnus is selling the 37-acre site in the hope that it will be taken on by a wildlife enthusiast who will continue his parents' legacy.
"We couldn't figure out how they got here. We still don't know how they got here. Red squirrels had not been seen in this area before."
Red squirrels are mostly found in Northumberland and Cumbria, and there are thought to be less than 40,000 left in the country, according to Forestry England's squirrel policy advisor.
The endangered species' biggest threat is the grey squirrel which carries - but is not affected by - a pox that causes red squirrels to die.
The Mirk Pot squirrels have thrived and are now seen in gardens in nearby Hawes and Bainbridge, and in 2025 a new colony was identified in a sitka spruce plantation in an undisclosed location nearby, which the landowners agreed to support.
Magnus and his brother have inherited the woods as well as the farmhouse where they grew up. Much of the surrounding land is still managed for commercial forestry, but the squirrel refuge his parents built is tranquil and undisturbed.
"My mother was a massive naturalist. For my father, although he started off being very keen on trees, the enthusiasm for nature wore off on him, and he became very enthusiastic about protecting those squirrels and the environment."
In collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the late landowners created the viewing area and trail for the public and continued to ensure that all decisions regarding planting and woodland management prioritised wildlife conservation and ecological health.
The woods are for sale with a guide price of £500,000, as the Kemps' sons do not live in Yorkshire and are unable to continue their work.
Jane died at the age of 92 in 2021, and her husband Hugh a decade earlier aged 84.
"It was my parents' dream. It makes me quite emotional to think about what they did," said Magnus, 59. "When they came here, the place was a barren hillside and all of the trees that you can see were planted by them. In terms of wildlife, there was none, and now the place is teeming with birds, and we've got the red squirrels. Their legacy is incredible."
The sympathetic woodland management meant other forest species, such as Scottish crossbills and roe deer, flourished as well, and the presence of the rare pine marten has been suspected over the years.
The Woodland Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have both supported and recognised the Kemps' work. As the Christmas tree plantation was wound down, native broadleaf species were planted in their place. "We've still got plenty of conifers of cone-bearing age so there is going to be plenty of food for the squirrels for a long time."
Chartered surveyors Jonathan Wallis have been handling the sale of Mirk Pot Woods since they first went on the market around a year ago. They said the sale of the property offered a "rare opportunity" to take on a meaningful role in preserving the woods and their wildlife.
"Its rich mix of planting and sensitive stewardship has made it an important part of wider conservation efforts across northern England. Beyond its ecological significance, the woodland has become a much-loved destination for visitors, offering a peaceful retreat for walkers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its unique character and accessibility have allowed many people to connect with and appreciate this exceptional environment."
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374100/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 12:03, 12th April 2026 | |
12:13 Westbury to Swindon due 12:57
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:12/04/2026 11:43
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:12/04/2026 11:43
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374098/28355/22] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:42, 12th April 2026 | |
However on the 13th June (a Saturday) there are trips from Bristol to Oxford and back.
And, interestingly, they are on the alternative hour to the proposed weekday service (with the different headcodes). So, perhaps that's how the Saturday service will shape up?
| Re: "The lost waterway of Melksham" In "The Lighter Side" [374097/31863/30] Posted by Mark A at 10:14, 12th April 2026 | |
No, I couldn't find it either. Perhaps a work in progress.
Mark
| Re: "The lost waterway of Melksham" In "The Lighter Side" [374095/31863/30] Posted by matth1j at 09:56, 12th April 2026 | |
English version is on BBC News (Wiltshire): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3dxpveqnxo
It says:
Mike Gibbin, CEO of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: "Peter has produced an excellent book, and we are delighted he has kindly offered to share it with everyone free of charge.
But I can't see it mentioned on their website: https://wbct.org.uk/Although there is a 2 page pdf: https://wbct.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melksham_lost_waterway_v2_r.pdf
Is that the 'book'?
| We are in the money, or the story of the Southampton lifts In "South Western services" [374093/31865/42] Posted by CyclingSid at 09:18, 12th April 2026 | |
Starting tomorrow, Monday 13/4/26, they are refurbishing the lifts at Southampton Central
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/at-the-station/southampton-central-lift-refurbishment
Nice little earner for the Southampton taxi drivers ferrying people from one side of the station to the other. Will the detour via other stations be in additional fare for those needing to use platforms 2 & 3? Not sure about this if they have a weekend like this one with lines closed in the Southampton area. Was stuck at Eastleigh for three quarters of an hour, think there was a problem with the crossing at Dean. Cardiff train terminated at Fareham, apparently the driver was running short of hours. Anyway I have finally seen the use of platform 2 at Fareham.
Not quite sure why the lift job will take four months at the height of the tourist and cruise season.
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374092/28355/22] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:46, 12th April 2026 Already liked by IndustryInsider | |
The through EXD > OXF service, which is part of a Stoke Gifford > BRI > EXD > BRI >TAU > BRI > EXD > OXF > Stoke Gifford diagram, appears to be due to a temporary recasting of the normal Saturday timetable consequent upon the 23/05 to 08/06 Severn Tunnel closure. The normal EXD <> CDF Saturday services restart on 13th June.
At least that is according to RTT!
| Re: EU Border control delays - entry / exit system In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374091/29537/52] Posted by John D at 08:46, 12th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Currently on holiday, and it did cause few minutes delay on arrival whilst did fingerprint scan etc. Maybe 10 minutes in passport queue.
But when got through bags had arrived on carousel. I have been straight through immigration and waited 20 minutes for bags before.
One thing can do, and media doesn't seem to highlight this is previous week, look up arrivals at airport travelling to and see how many non Schengen flights arrive just before yours. Gives you good indication if they will still be processing arrivals from previous flights. (note flight times can vary by day of week so best to check same time previous week)
| EU Border control delays - entry / exit system In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374090/29537/52] Posted by grahame at 08:03, 12th April 2026 | |
Media seems "full" of this ... did we have a coffee shop thread wider than just Eurostar?
An example from social media ...
British holidaymakers are being warned to arrive at airports four hours early as new EU border checks cause massive delays across Europe.
The Entry/Exit System, which launched in October and became fully operational across 29 European countries on 10 April, is creating chaos at border control.
The system replaces passport stamps with automated checks that log when you enter and leave European territory.
Because Brits are no longer EU nationals, you now have to register your personal details on your first visit to a Schengen Area country.
This means using EES machines at airports, ferries, and Eurostar terminals to scan your fingerprints and face.
The system was supposed to speed up border checks. Instead, it's causing hours of delays.
Reports from travellers show three-hour waits at Lanzarote Airport in March. Similar delays have been reported in Brussels, Lisbon, and Prague.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has called the system "a shambles" and is demanding a five-month delay to fix the problems before summer.
He says it would make more sense to launch properly in October during the quieter winter schedule instead of right before peak holiday season.
Travel industry experts are warning passengers to add at least four hours to their usual airport arrival time for southern European destinations while the system beds in.
The Home Office claims the checks should only take one to two minutes per person, but admits longer waits are likely during busy periods.
If you're flying to Europe this summer, expect significantly longer waits at passport control both leaving the UK and arriving at your destination.
The Entry/Exit System, which launched in October and became fully operational across 29 European countries on 10 April, is creating chaos at border control.
The system replaces passport stamps with automated checks that log when you enter and leave European territory.
Because Brits are no longer EU nationals, you now have to register your personal details on your first visit to a Schengen Area country.
This means using EES machines at airports, ferries, and Eurostar terminals to scan your fingerprints and face.
The system was supposed to speed up border checks. Instead, it's causing hours of delays.
Reports from travellers show three-hour waits at Lanzarote Airport in March. Similar delays have been reported in Brussels, Lisbon, and Prague.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has called the system "a shambles" and is demanding a five-month delay to fix the problems before summer.
He says it would make more sense to launch properly in October during the quieter winter schedule instead of right before peak holiday season.
Travel industry experts are warning passengers to add at least four hours to their usual airport arrival time for southern European destinations while the system beds in.
The Home Office claims the checks should only take one to two minutes per person, but admits longer waits are likely during busy periods.
If you're flying to Europe this summer, expect significantly longer waits at passport control both leaving the UK and arriving at your destination.
| Re: Crackdown on traditional carriages threatens ‘Hogwarts Express’ trains In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374089/28578/47] Posted by PhilWakely at 08:01, 12th April 2026 Already liked by Western Pathfinder | |
An update from The National
West Coast Railways (WCR) has said it has reached an agreement with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to install central door locking on its heritage carriages on its entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the Fort William to Mallaig route.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
I sincerely hope that the ORR has not caved in to the WCR's bullying tactics
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374087/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 06:35, 12th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
What the sign does not point out is the rise of over 50 metres from the station to the bus stop.
Quoting myself here ... the other ones where there's a big gap between railway station and rail replacement bus stop that I'm aware of are Cynghordy and Dovey Junction. I have used Dovey Junction to leave the railway network and, sure, it's a noticeable walk - though flat and with no residences anywhere close.
Avoncliff *does* have a noticeable local population though - hundreds of people, big old converted workhouse and an eclectic collection of houses, a pub, a cafe, and lots of walkers including those out for a stroll. As I waited to see the thumper come through, a local train called on the way into Bristol and half a dozen people joined it - and that's just one train in the hourly service there. So close it on a summer weekend and it's not exactly effecting no-one. Bus, I agree, can't get there; taxi and minibus certainly can
Putting Avoncliff in context:
The waterway you see if the Kennet and Avon Canal, crossing the valley on Avoncliff Aqueduct - the railway runs underneath the aqueduct at the end nearest the camera, and it then crosses the River Avon too. To the left if the station car park, from which separate flights of stairs lead down to each of the two platforms. You can see one of the several clusters of houses across the valley and Westwood Village - where the rail replacement bus calls - is atop the hillside in the picture. To get to the bus stop from the station, you walk across the aqueduct, then on the road (yep!) on the far side you loop around under the canal and climb the hill on the road through the trees ... standing to one side to let cars by as they go up and down.
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374085/22075/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:09, 11th April 2026 | |
Yes, it's Westbury: I see that now.
CfN.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374084/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 22:22, 11th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
What the sign does not point out is the rise of over 50 metres from the station to the bus stop.
| Re: South Bank railway station footbridge - near Middlesbrough In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374083/29298/51] Posted by bobm at 21:43, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Oxonhutch | |
Alerting the pedant in me
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
I suspect the trains could access the platform. There just wasn’t much point.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374082/31862/55] Posted by bobm at 21:13, 11th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
| "The lost waterway of Melksham" In "The Lighter Side" [374081/31863/30] Posted by Mark A at 20:32, 11th April 2026 | |
Imagine the scene. One Graham Ellis, seated on an obscure and now terminus platform of a one-time minor cross country railway in an obscure part of France. The curiously futuristic French railcar stabled for the night, Graham has just watched the crew make their way to the village's hotel and reflected that this is one of the last times that it will be possible to see this sight - the railway is in its last days of service. Anxious for a distraction from the general gloom, Graham glances down at the screen of his laptop, to read, in French, this article about his home town.
https://fr.helm.news/2026-04-10/new-book-details-history-wilts-berks-canal-plans-its-restoration.html
Mark
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374080/22075/30] Posted by AMLAG at 19:51, 11th April 2026 | |
The second is Westbury.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374079/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 19:14, 11th April 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | |
Look at the rail scene and watching the trains go by
| Re: South Bank railway station footbridge - near Middlesbrough In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374078/29298/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:04, 11th April 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Unsafe train station bridge now to be reinforced
No date has been set for the reopening of the footbridge at South Bank station
An unsafe railway footbridge will now be strengthened, rather than demolished.
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
The plan had been to demolish the footbridge and construct a temporary replacement, ahead of a wider transport project involving redeveloping the station. However, it has now been confirmed the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) will finance an alternative temporary solution to "strengthen" the existing structure to bring it back into use.
Network Rail is said to be working with TVCA and other stakeholders to get the project moved forward, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Although, neither were willing to put a date on when the bridge and platform two could be reopened, following the last self-imposed target of August 2025 for a solution being missed.
Eastbound trains have not stopped at South Bank for a year-and-a-half
The footbridge provided sole access to eastbound platform two, transporting passengers to Redcar and Saltburn.
When it was open, the footbridge also provided access to the north of the station to Teesworks.
Trains that previously called at South Bank on the way to Redcar now pass through the station non-stop, while westbound services to Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland remain unaffected.
Network Rail said ownership of the footbridge was being transferred to it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "This will help move the project forward as we work with the local authority to finalise funding for the work needed to strengthen the structure. Once the necessary agreements are in place, we will move forward with appointing a contractor."
No date has been set for the reopening of the footbridge at South Bank station
An unsafe railway footbridge will now be strengthened, rather than demolished.
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
The plan had been to demolish the footbridge and construct a temporary replacement, ahead of a wider transport project involving redeveloping the station. However, it has now been confirmed the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) will finance an alternative temporary solution to "strengthen" the existing structure to bring it back into use.
Network Rail is said to be working with TVCA and other stakeholders to get the project moved forward, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Although, neither were willing to put a date on when the bridge and platform two could be reopened, following the last self-imposed target of August 2025 for a solution being missed.
Eastbound trains have not stopped at South Bank for a year-and-a-half
The footbridge provided sole access to eastbound platform two, transporting passengers to Redcar and Saltburn.
When it was open, the footbridge also provided access to the north of the station to Teesworks.
Trains that previously called at South Bank on the way to Redcar now pass through the station non-stop, while westbound services to Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland remain unaffected.
Network Rail said ownership of the footbridge was being transferred to it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "This will help move the project forward as we work with the local authority to finalise funding for the work needed to strengthen the structure. Once the necessary agreements are in place, we will move forward with appointing a contractor."
