Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

CHAPTER 13

1977 to 1981 MODERNISATION OF A KIND 1977 ( Never at any time since the railway was constructed had the threat to closure been more acute and campaigners would be taking up the fight, before it was too late .) January A ‘Capital Fare’ ticket to London was available from the 8 th , through to February the 26 th , on Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays at £7 2nd Class, or £8 1st Class on Saturdays only. This ticket was valid outward on the 10:01 from Preston returning on the 18:05 during the week or any train on Saturdays. A ‘Winter Festival’ was being held in Edinburgh between the 14 th and the 28 th , and several tickets were available for those wishing to attend, these included a ‘Bargain Day Saver’, a ‘Tartan Break’ weekend return, a ‘Golden Rail Breather’ or a ‘Stardust Holiday Mini-Weekend’. Unfortunately, the ‘Seaview’ excursion to Eastbourne scheduled to run on Saturday the 22 nd , was cancelled and those who had booked tickets were advised to claim a refund. February Unlike the previous Seaview excursion, the one to Bristol and Weston-super-Mare did run on Saturday the 5 th . Included in the fares of £3:30p and £1:40p for a child, was a coach tour of the surrounding area. The popular Mini-Weekend in Torquay was repeated over Saturday and Sunday, the 19 th and 20 th , with the additional coach tour included in the fares of £16:50p and £9:30p. It was announced that the ‘Capital Fare’ ticket would continue beyond the 26 th , with now a connection onto the 09:20 from Preston. BR announced that their ‘Explore Britain by Train’ brochure had been published, copies of which could be obtained from Ladywell House in Preston. Helmshore Railway Station, which had last seen a train depart some eleven years previously, was put up for sale by the British Railways Property Board. The package included, two platforms, the former stationmaster’s house, a signal box and 9½ acres of land either side of Helmshore Road. No price was quoted but BR was “open to all offers”. At a meeting of the Environment & Health Committee, the Officer with responsibility for this department reported on the current position with regard to the flooding occurring at the former BR cutting in the Norden District of Rishton. He stated that the filling in of this cutting would commence as soon as weather conditions permitted, as part of the waste disposal functions. Unfortunately the final treatment for this site was affected by a moratorium, but it was not felt that this would adversely change the project. March Between March 8 th and April 2 nd , the International Boat Show was on at Olympia, and there was an ‘off-peak’ day return package of £8 and £4 for a child when travelling by specified services. Another Mystery Trip left on Saturday the 26 th , departing at 08:03, (Rishton 08:10), arriving at 13:15 and returning at 18:00. It arrived back in Rishton at 23:00 and Accrington eight minutes later. The fares were £3:50p and £2:10p for a child. At a meeting of the Development Services Committee, the Borough Planning Officer reminded Members that in September, they had considered a proposal for the change of use of the former BR railway and coaling sidings at the top of Holland Street and Leyland Street for use as a caravan park, and they had recommended to the County Council that they approve this application. He stated that on January 18 th , the County had approved this change of use, subject to the following conditions - a) That the use authorised in this permission would be terminated at the culmination of a five year period commencing from January 1 st , 1977. b) That trees and shrubs would be planted to landscape the site and this would be completed on, or before, June 1 st , 1977. c) That none of the caravans parked on this site would be used for residential purposes. d) That all loading or unloading of caravans would be carried out within the confines of the site.

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