£15,000 grant to fund improvements at Yarwell Station in East Northants

A county firm has helped pay for improvements at Yarwell Station which will improve accessibility.

The £15,278 project at Yarwell Station was funded by local construction specialist the Mick George Group.

It has enabled the extension of line length by several metres to provide a safe clearance for all expected engines, while rationalising the layout to make operation of the ‘run-around’ process smoother.

Built in 2007, Yarwell Station is the westernmost point of the Nene Valley Line and acts as the terminus, prior to trains embarking on return journeys.

However, previous deficiencies with the line have subsequently meant that the larger locomotives, such as the Flying Scotsman and Tornado, were unable to use this particular line.

Since the upgrades, through running of trains hauled by large engines from Peterborough to Yarwell junction is now possible and the public can safely observe at close quarters different trains and the open countryside.

Stan Bell, trustee at Nene Valley Railway, said: ‘’We set out to extend and make safe a section of line which was risky to operate very large steam locomotives.

"The objective has been completely satisfied – we now have a margin for error that allows us to confidently arrange for the longest engines to use that section.

"This in turn makes it possible to run the large engines through our tunnel, enhancing our visitor experience and placing the engines in delightful rural setting.

"We’re very grateful to the Mick George Group for their valuable contribution.’’