PLATFORM

Railways should open cafes earlier

FOR many, preserved railways catering is an important source of income.

Arriving an hour before the first train of the day at a Midlands steam railway gala, I bought a ticket but found the cafe closed. I did buy a coffee before the train left but other passengers who wanted bacon baps to take on the train were turned away.

Some visitors had made a two or three-hour journey to reach the railway in question. Compare this to the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, where I enjoyed a full cooked breakfast and a pot of tea before boarding the first train of that line’s gala.

Once intensive gala timetables commence, it is difficult to eat meals without missing some of the action. So an earlier opening of cafes could have both financial benefits and happier visitors. Food for thought? (pun intended)

Peter Greaves, Walsall, West Midlands

Tyseley should be applauded for Bloomer project

I WOULD like to congratulate Tyseley Locomotive Works