RAILWAY volunteers have hit back at critics they say are undermining their efforts to reopen a line, expected to create jobs and inject millions of pounds into a rural economy.

Just before the official launch of the £5m Weardale Railway - on Saturday, July 17 - supporters have been blasted by stinging criticism from dales communities.

An article, submitted by Wolsingham parish council to the church-run Town Crier alleged the Weardale Railway Company has carried out major works at its new Wolsingham Railway Depot, next to Weardale Steel, without planning permission.

It also reported claims from residents that footpaths around the steelworks site had been closed off and railway security staff had acted aggressively in attempts to deter walkers.

The article said: "The parish council considers it to be highly inappropriate that large amounts of public funding is (sic) being spent on major asset work that is technically illegal."

Wear Valley District Council, however, confirmed this week that planning consent for development had been granted on June 21.

And Durham County Council said that any issues over footpaths had been resolved seven weeks ago.

At the same time, people living near the railway's headquarters at newly restored Stanhope Station, are complaining that their view will be ruined by a stone block wall, topped by wooden slats, being built alongside a platform extension. (See right).

Steve Raine, chairman of the volunteer-run Weardale Railway Trust, which works alongside the company on the project, said the criticism was dispiriting.

He said: "We should be celebrating success, not knocking the efforts of people who have put in a lot of effort and hard work.

"A lot of things are being said that are not true. We have done everything by the book.

"We have improved the property at Wolsingham and we have the necessary planning permission. We have not blocked any paths, in fact we have improved areas where the paths have been poor."

"At Stanhope we are replacing a rusty 19ft high steel mesh fence and recreating the original look and feel of the station in Fifties period.

"We did not need planning permission because it is on designated railway land and we have to meet the requirements of Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate."

The railway project employs 31 people and was supported by 78 per cent of Weardale residents who replied to a recent survey.