SWANAGE BIDS FOR COASTAL COMMUNITY FUND GRANT

The Swanage Railway has submitted an initial application for Coastal Community Fund money. The undisclosed sum would assist the railway in completing a number of projects to improve its operating facilities, including the provision of a six-coach platform and run-round loop at Swanage, reinstating the loop and access to the sidings at Furzebrook and the reconstruction of the Salisbury water tower.

Swanage Railway Trust Chairman Gavin Johns told Steam Railway: “The trust continues to invest in the Swanage Railway’s infrastructure and support services, and regularly reviews opportunities to apply for grants from bodies such as the Coastal Communities Fund and other government agencies. As will be appreciated, it is not appropriate for the trust to comment on applications that are currently going through the process.” This is the second time the railway has applied to the CCF for funding; the organisation granted the line £1.5 million in 2013 for the completion of Project Wareham. Swanage Railway Company Chairman Trevor Parsons said: “We are in negotiations with Dorset County Council and Wytch Farm oil field operator Perenco over the possible use of the sidings at its former oil and gas terminal at Furzebrook. This site is an important strategic location for the Swanage Railway and, in due course – subject to necessary planning permissions – we hope to construct covered carriage accommodation there. There is potential for a halt and run-round loop to be built at Furzebrook as the nine-mile Swanage Railway continues to develop and improve still further.”