MIDLANDS

Coventry: The £ 82 million station redevelopment scheme was discussed by city council planners on November 15, with a recommendation for approval. Derby: The city council wants to demolish the Markeaton Park Railway’s main engine shed, after the discovery of asbestos. The building, disused since September 2016, has also suffered from vandalism. Ironbridge: Harworth, the new owner of the disused power station, has offered its support in principle to extending the Telford Steam Railway over the mothballed branch from Horsehay.

Leek: The Churnet Valley Railway has announced that it wants to begin construction of the extension into the town within the next 12 months.

Longbridge: Large- scale demolition is taking place to create a larger concourse at the station, and a new roof and canopy. The £1.7 million project will be complete next spring.

St Albans: Network Rail is looking at a diversionary route to Abbey station, to eliminate the foot crossing at Cotton Mill following several near- miss accidents.