Contributions for by far the UK’s most published column by the same author - now in its 43rd 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
EASTERN
Crews Hill: There are plans to safeguard land around the Hertford Loop station for around 2,000 new homes and to create a new western entrance. Leeds: Network Rail has purchased the formation of the Wortley Curve, which once provided a direct link between Bradford and Wakefield, to safeguard it for medium-term reinstatement. The three-acre strip, which has not carried trains since 1985, sold for £47,000 in auction - three times the guide price. Winning: The 1895 North Eastern Railway signal box on the Northumberland Line is due for closure and demolition. It has survived until now to control the level crossing at Sleekburn.
NORTH WEST
Horton-in-Ribblesdale: Vegetation clearance has been taking place with a view to reinstating the connection to the quarry from the Settle-Carlisle Line. A footbridge is to be built at the southern end of the station to replace the foot crossing.
Lancaster: The Railway Heritage Trust has awarded a £75,000 grant towards restoration of the building on the former Platform 6.
Manchester: Metrolink has been conducting trials into whether or not non-folding bicycles can be safely carried on its trams.
Walkden: Installation of the new station lift has been delayed by the discovery of historic mine shafts.
SOUTHERN
Bitterne: The Railway Heritage Trust has made a second grant, this time for £25,466, for station restoration works. The money will be spent on unboarding and restoring the windows, and on preserving historic paint details.
Forest Row: The Bluebell Railway has been carrying out winter tracklaying at the bottom of Freshfield Bank, towards the site of Ketches Halt.
Hayling Island: Hampshire County Council has approved plans for the northern section of the old railway (closed in November 1963) to become an all-weather route for walkers and cyclists. It will provide a link from the south of the island to the centre of Havant, and on to Farnham and Portsmouth. The project will cost around £600,000. Spencer Road: A halt that was only open on the former Woodside-Sanderstead line between 1906-15 is remembered on a mural displayed at
Victoria station. The buildings were demolished by the Southern Railway, and although the through route finally closed in 1983, part of it has been reused by London Tramlink.
ANGLIA
Chappel & Wakes Colne: The East Anglian Railway Museum is planning a special weekend to celebrate the 175th ann
