A MAJOR improvement scheme at Leyburn station is to go ahead with the help of a £72,050 grant from the local authority.

It will see the installation of a viewing platform and footbridge and a signalbox with period signalling – both of which have been recovered from other stations.

Richmondshire District Council has awarded the grant from its economic growth fund to the £100,000 Wensleydale Railway scheme - which also includes water towers and cranes to service the steam locomotives and a passing loop system to allow engines to run around trains.

“This is a very exciting scheme for the district and one we are delighted to be able to help make happen,” said council leader, Councillor Yvonne Peacock.

“It will create an attraction for visitors - and railway enthusiasts - and allow for more frequent services to be run, including park and ride shuttle trains from Redmire to Leyburn to support local events."

She added: "This is exactly the type of scheme we are looking to support through our growth fund. It will bring in more visitors – and therefore more revenue - to the district.”

Following the withdrawal of passenger services by British Railways in 1954 most of the infrastructure - including the footbridge, signal boxes and platforms - was removed from Leyburn.

The Wensleydale Railway installed a single passenger platform when it began to operate passenger trains again in 2003 but the other facilities could not be afforded then.

Initial work has already begun on the scheme which should be completed for next year’s season. With the support of Network Rail the footbridge has been recovered from Brigg Station in Lincolnshire and will be fully restored along with a signalbox from the Furness Railway.