Wensleydale membership divided over proposed Aysgarth sale

by

A PROPOSAL to sell off the Wensleydale Railway’s (WR) disconnected Aysgarth station (see map below) has caused division within the railway’s membership.

The plans have been put forward as the railway’s board seeks to remedy a growing financial deficit.

Aysgarth lies just short of three miles from the WR’s current Redmire terminus, but is not connected to the rest of the railway.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

The well-preserved site consists of two platforms, a station house, waiting room, signalbox and goods shed, and has been looked after by a local station group on behalf of the WR for the last few years.

It sits just a short walk from the popular Aysgarth Falls, and as such is seen by many members as the crown jewel of the line.

Sale of the site would therefore derail any hopes of the WR ever reaching this tourist ‘honeypot’ in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Article continues below…
Advert

‘Difficult situation’

In a letter from Wensleydale Railway plc to the membership concerning the proposed sale, the board states that the railway is “in a difficult financial situation, with the Trust (Wensleydale Railway Association [Trust] Ltd) having made major contributions to maintain the railway as a going concern over the last year”.

Read more in the September issue of The RM – on sale now!

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author