Page 55 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • April 2012 55
Repairs to historic bridge by railway

A bridge over the River Ray, that could have been a strategic barrier
to advancing invaders during World War II, will be closed for eight
months from 18 May to allow for rebuilding to cater for heavier use
in years to come.

Hong in

Oriental BUFFET RESTAURANT

On either side of the bridge next structures to be removed. Con-
to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway tractors Mouchel will make a full
Society’s Blunsdon Station base photographic survey of the site for
are 9 large concrete ‘tank traps’ the Wiltshire and Swindon record
installed in 1940 as part of the ‘Red centre in Chippenham.
Line,’ one of a series of military Once the bridge works are com-
barriers around which the army pleted two of the tank traps will be
and the home guard would rally returned to their original positions.
if an invasion had been successful. The contractor will endeavour to Opening Times & Prices
A sculpture of a soldier, pictured preserve them, but their age and
above, stands overlooking the river condition in the ground will deter- Lunch : Monday - Saturday
to commemorate the preparedness mine what can actually be achieved 12noon - 3.00pm A£6.50 C£3.50
of the country to resist invasion. when work starts.
The tank traps are not listed for • Details of access to Swindon & Dinner : Monday - Thursday
protection and the work on the Cricklade Railway Society’s Bluns- 5.00pm - 10.30pm A£11.50 C£6.50
bridge, which includes widening don Station will be given in the May
the road, will require three of the edition. Friday - Saturday
5.00pm - 11.00pm A£12.50 C£6.50
Plans on track for train arrivals
at Mouldon Hill Park All day : Sunday & Bank Holidays
12noon - 10.30pm A£11.50 C£6.50
During 2011 the second phase of development to install 1.5km of
footpaths around Mouldon Hill Park was completed and plans are
now underway to extend the Swindon & Cricklade Railway line as Take Away Box : £5.00
far as the visitors’ car park.
Speaking at a North Swindon lo- enter the area will be very exciting. Other Information:
cality community meeting on 1 Feb- It’s great news for the park,” he said.
ruary, Swindon Council landscape Pedestrian access to Mouldon * A = Adult
designer Chris Anniss displayed Hill from Oakhurst and other areas
photographs of new footpaths in in the northern sector has been an C = Children under 1.4m / 4’7”
the park that have been cleared issue, with walkers trying to cross (minimum charge £3)
at minimal cost. He said: “We’ve the railway line over unsafe bridges
been trying very hard to stretch the and using trails that are not public * The Management reserves the right to
budget and are pleased with what rights of way. However this has now make changes without prior notice.
we’ve been able to do to.” been resolved with the opening in
Work on laying railway track and February of a new ‘green line’ path
creating a temporary station called that leads walkers into the park
Taw Valley Halt should start soon between the railway line and the
with the aim of carrying the first main road.
passengers in early Autumn. Swindon & Cricklade Railway
The railway society proposes to Trust building works manager
bring a buffet car from Blunsdon Dave Peacey is optimistic that all
Station to the park on a daily ba- the effort put in will pay off this Pepperbox Hill Meadway
sis, providing a welcome cup of year. “It’s been hard work getting
tea for visitors. It will also act as a things right to please everyone. But Peatmoor
ticket office for the three mile train the bridge called 107 has now been West Swindon Booking line:
ride northwards to Hayes Knoll shut off for remedial work to be 01793 877888
and back. done. By September we’re hoping SN5 5EZ
Chris is positive about the extra that you’ll be able to see steam trains
dimension this will add: “The sight puffing besides Thamesdown Drive w w w . h o n g x i n . c o . u k
of a locomotive parked up as you and opposite the Tawny Owl pub.”

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