GCR REUNIFICATION APPEAL RAISES QUARTER OF A MILLION POUNDS
A quarter of a million pounds has been raised towards the Great Central Railway’s appeal for the latest phase of its reunification project.
The milestone comes as work on the bridge over the Grand Union Canal north of Loughborough Central station, which forms part of the gap between the GCR and the GCR (Nottingham), draws to a close, with contractors laying waterproof coverings on the decks and completing repairs to the brickwork.
“Seeing the completely refurbished canal bridge has given us all a huge psychological boost,” said Andy Fillingham, chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, which is leading the fundraising effort.
“It seems to have had a similar effect on everyone. Together with the recent article in Steam Railway magazine [SR507], we have had a huge influx of donations from across the country, including new standing order commitments. It all takes us ever closer to constructing the next phase and ultimately to trains running on an 18-mile heritage line.”
Two of the seven phases of the project are now completed. Phases three and four, which involve crossing a road and a car park, will be constructed together to save costs (SR503), although it is estimated £3 million will be needed to complete them. The £250,000 raised by the appeal so far will be used to complete planning work and obtain permission to survey so construction crews can begin immediately when the fundraising target is reached.
“Once again,” added Mr Filingham, “we need to thank everyone who has contributed in very difficult circumstances. We’re determined to come out on the front foot from the pandemic and work towards an exciting future with a reunified GCR.”