Severn Valley Railway faces 'serious and long-term threat'

The company which runs the Severn Valley Railway is warning that coronavirus poses a serious threat to the future of the service.

The 16-mile heritage line, which runs through Shropshire and Worcestershire, has already seen a large drop in passenger numbers since the devastating floods earlier this year.

Bosses say that the Covid-19 outbreak and the methods of fighting it means that a return to sustainable levels of revenue may not be possible until late next year.

An emergency appeal had already been set up to help secure the future of the Severn Valley Railway in the aftermath of the floods earlier this year.

As of April 30th, more than £650,000 has already been raised in donations and share purchases.

The company had hoped to resume services in May or June but now says that is unrealistic.

The devastating loss of income also means vital investments totalling £4.5 million cannot be made.

They include things such as restorations to infrastructure, training and upgrading the IT system, which the company says is 'creaking at the seams'.

The company says although its future looks bleak, it remains committed to its goal of protecting the Severn Valley Railway.

It has launched a new 'Fight Back Fund' to encourage people to fundraise through the current crisis and in the 'tough months' that will follow the lifting of restrictions.

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