Digging deep to save our railways

A MASSIVE display of public support for Britain’s heritage lines in the Covid-19 crisis has seen tens of thousands of people respond to emergency appeals for funds – with the Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) Fight Back Fund topping the list so far with more than £650,000 donated.

In March, the railway launched an appeal for £250,000 to allow it to survive through the lockdown period, with most of its staff on furlough and income from running services abruptly halted, while essential bills need to be paid.

However, SVR general manager Helen Smith said that despite the phenomenal response, the railway – like all others through the country, remains at risk while there is no firm end in sight of the pandemic or the easing of Government restrictions.

She said:“We