A NEW survey has revealed the project to bring a disused railway through Herefordshire back to life would bring an economic boost.

The old line from Worcester through to Leominster via Bromyard has been vacant since 1964, but a group called the WBL Greenway is attempting to resurrect it as a walking and cycling route.

Under the group's proposals, the debris and overgrown plants currently on the line will be removed and the land restored to enable walkers and cyclists access.

WBL Greenway chair Tom Fisher will now hold a meeting with Leominster Walkers are Welcome to update the group on plans.

It will take place on Friday, September 16 at Grange Court, Leominster, and will start at 7pm.

The group said Mr Fisher will tell those at the meeting more about the exciting proposal to establish the 25-mile, multi-use travel route along the former railway line.

He will also talk about the outcome of the recently completed feasibility study, which was funded by Herefordshire Council through the Covid recovery programme.

The study is said to indicate that encouraging economic benefits will be brought by the greenway, as well as the advantages to the health and wellbeing of walking and cycling.

 

Much of the line is now overgrown, but some bridges remain

Much of the line is now overgrown, but some bridges remain

 

Mr Fisher previously said: "The Worcester Bromyard Leominster Greenway project aims to convert the old railway line to a 25-mile track for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.

"It will be accessible for people with limited mobility.

"Our online survey has shown very encouraging support with over 1,300 responses and 95 per cent in favour."

The greenway group's website said that £4 million could be put into the local economy every year from the greenway, with total development costs of up to £5.9 million.

But the group will have to overcome challenges, with the former railway is now owned by some 50 different people.

The former railway was in use from its initial proposal in 1861, through to the final train in 1964.

It was not until 1877 that the line was extended to Bromyard and Yearsett station closed in preference to a new Station at Suckley in 1878.

The line curved north through a succession of bridges, embankments, and cuttings, crossing the Bromyard to Malvern road near Stanford Bishop, threading its way through rolling farms towards the back of the old Hospital and on to Bromyard Station which was located within the current Industrial Estate.

The Leominster to Bromyard line was closed in 1952, with the remainder of the line closing on September 5, 1964.