GWS: No ‘Star’ plans

FOLLOWING a board meeting over the weekend of September 24/25, the Great Western Society issued a statement regarding the purchase of No. 7027 Thornbury Castle by its 4709 group.

The statement, signed by GWS chief executive Clive Hetherington, said: “The Great Western Society continues to be committed to buying the remaining components of No. 7027.

“The board of GWS agrees to hold those parts in good condition for six months. During this time, GWS will consider offers from properly funded groups for all or parts of No. 7027 to enable a rebuild of Thornbury Castle if viable.

“The GWS has no plans to build a ‘Star’. In the interim, work on [new-build 47XX Class] No. 4709 progresses well and a significant progress report is due shortly.”