Contributions for by far the UK’s most published column by the same author - now in its 42nd year are most welcome from all sources. Personal observations, society magazines, website printouts and live links, transport group newsletters and media cuttings (with dates, please) are sought to maintain topicality. Please email your contributions direct to hj@howardjohnston.co.uk, or rail@bauermedia.co.uk
WESTERN
Bath: The station ticket office was temporarily closed during mid-August after part of the ceiling collapsed.
Chard: Somerset County Council has drawn up a draft timetable of what services to a proposed new parkway station on the Waterloo-Exeter line would look like, even though government support is not yet forthcoming. The original station closed in March 1966.
Malvern Link: A 26-year-old man is set to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on December 4, facing arson charges arising from the blaze at the Station House, which is now a holiday home. Extensive damage was caused back on March 7.
Norton: Great Western Railway’s Community Fund has paid for the installation of a piano at Worcestershire Parkway station. It has also given a grant of £3,800 for a similar musical instrument for Plymouth.
Pershore: Funding is being explored for a new station footbridge.
Tackley: The temporary footbridge installed at the foot crossing two years ago is to be replaced by a more permanent structure. There were 15 reported incidents at the Oxfordshire location over 18 months.
Yate: South Gloucestershire Council’s plans for the town over the next 15-20 years include new station buildings linked to housing, shops and a commercial area. The staggered platforms may also be rebuilt to be opposite each other.
EASTERN
Alexandra Palace: There has been a slow start to the petition to reopen the former Great Northern branch from Finsbury Park. It closed to passengers in July 1954 and to freight ten years later, and most of the structures have been removed. It is now a nature reserve and footpath.
Bedlington: Northumberland County Council has overruled a 1,000-signature petition and objections from the Victorian Society and voted to demolish the empty southern-side station building instead of turning it into a community centre. At an estimated £375,000, it is regarded as too costly to shore up and renovate. However, the parish council has set aside £40,000 and is looking for its own grant funding. Only four of the original 19 stations on the Blyth and Tyne Railway have survived.
Haltwhistle: The station waiting room has been used for a ‘Haltwhistle is Something Special’ display charting the area’s history.
Leeds: The former wagon hoist at the station is being rehabilitated to create a new public access.
Skegness: Celebrations were held at the station in July to mark t
