Steam train fans will be delighted to hear that the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) has announced it is set to resume some operations after the longest shut down in the railway’s 36-year operational history.
GWSR operates steam and heritage diesel train services between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway and has announced it will run again from Saturday, August 15.
After lockdown many volunteers in operational roles, such as signalling, guards, train drivers and station staff will need to re-qualify for their certificates of competency and so GWSR plans to operate some ‘ghost trains’ in advance to ensure that when public services resume, they do so with the utmost safety in mind.
Richard Johnson, the volunteer chairman of GWSR explained: "We are planning to re-start services cautiously at a time when Covid-19 restrictions are progressively being lifted.
"However, we are very conscious that we will still need to maintain self-distancing and great care will be taken to ensure the safety of our visitors and volunteers.
"We will be using coaches that have an old-fashioned side corridor with compartments that have sliding doors. The idea is that visitors will be able to book a compartment for a minimum of two people and for family groups of up to eight.
"The trains will be thoroughly cleaned after every trip. It’s a really exciting step towards resumption of services on our delightful railway. As one of over 950 volunteers, I must say that I can’t wait to see trains running through the Cotswolds on our railway once again!"
More information can be found on GWSR's website here.
The service will comprise pre-bookable trains on some days from Toddington station which will operate a round trip with stops at Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway. Trains will not stop at Hayles Abbey Halt, Winchcombe or Gotherington.
