Poulton & Wyre Railway Society

I didn't even know this Society existed! Recently been wishing there was something local to volunteer for - so if they are still going, it may be worth a look

 

Well I've emailed them. Signalbox restoration is something that would interest me (I started my working life as a 'Mechanical Signalling Probationer')!

 

I wouldn't worry yet as it maybe the person looking after the website has gone off ill or something...

 

I hope this project manages to succeed.

As a child our holidays always started from Thornton station. I also have a vague memory of going inside Fleetwood station before it was pulled down.

 

What is the current situation with the Poulton & Wyre railway society? It appears that not much has been said about the project for some time.

 

I spoke to one of their volunteers who had come across to Bolton Abbey to look at our signalboxes and seek some advice - so they're definitely still on the go. Some plans sounded very well thought-out and I can see a lot of potential in them, providing things go smoothly.

 

Agreed; I have had dealings with a few of their committee members regarding our respective restorations of Fowler shunters, and they have proved to be a very helpful and enthusiastic bunch.

 

I was over at Thornton station back in May speaking with a few of the guys clearing the station and they had told me that they were due to meet with Network rail regarding extending their 3 year lease on the site that by now should have expired. Where they successful in extending/amending the lease to begin developing the site??

 

I think this project will be succeed!

 

Is anybody able to provide information on the current situation with the Poulton & Wyre railway society? Having had a look at their website and Facebook pages, there doesn’t appear to be any news updates since September 2018.

 

Hope they are still going. Seemed to be make good progress on the line, with the Fowler and their DMU.

 

The powercar of their 2-car Class 108 was in the shed at Swanwick on the Midland Railway last weekend, apparently it was having a mechanical exam to ready it for further service after decades in storage. The trailer car was outside with its interior partly stripped out.

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Sadly, the former Fleetwood line is now completely isolated from NR at Poulton.

 

Indeed. A photo I took in September 2017 before the wires went up and the 'box came down.

 

It is of course possible for a line that has been disconnected from the national network to be reconnected. It happened recently at Princes Risborough and it could happen at Poulton-le-Fylde. Whether it ever will happen is unknown.

 

Update on website about the return of Thornton station booking office seems fairly recent.
Plus think they posted that initially they wouldn't be reconnecting. With a new platform three to be built in the cutting behind the signal. With a footpath linking the two stations.

 

It's all they'll ever get. But even then I just can't see it making much as a preserved line - there's nothing in Poulton, there nowhere for a decent car park, it just wouldn't function. Somewhere it's been mentioned for a possible tramway, and run as a public service. Maybe, but where is the investment going to come from?