GREEN LIGHT FOR SHERINGHAM LEVEL CROSSING

The Board of the North Norfolk Railway has resolved to go ahead with the reinstatement of Sheringham level crossing as a tramway-style crossing for occasional use, subject to closing the small funding gap that still remains. Another £22,000 is needed to reach the final appeal target of £140,000. The Board has accordingly agreed to proceed immediately with the letting of all necessary contracts in order to complete the work in time for an opening ceremony on March 11th 2010: it is hoped that the National Railway Museum's steam locomotive "Oliver Cromwell" will head the first train over the road.

Project director Steven Ashling said: "This is tremendous news for the railway, for the town's businesses, and for all the many people who have given so generously to turn this link from a dream into reality."

The contract for EDF to move electricity cables has already been let, and work is expected to be carried out in October. The plan is for all the other work to begin towards the end of January, with the road closed for a few days in February to allow the actual crossing to be laid. Mr Ashling made the point that a concrete path will give unobstructed pedestrian access to and from the car park, the coast road and Station Road.

Sheringham businesses are being urged to help close the small funding gap, because the charter trains possible with the crossing will bring extra trade at the crucial shoulder-peak times before and after the main holiday season.

Donations should be sent to The Crossing Appeal, North Norfolk Railway plc, Sheringham Station NR26 8RA, with cheques made payable to North Norfolk Railway.