We are pleased to announce the completion of major platform resurfacing work at Leeming Bar Station. The platform surface was made from crushed and compacted gravel and was rough and uneven in places with poor drainage. Funding was sought to replace the surface, provide a safe and improved customer experience and improve the general appearance of the station. The railway applied for, and was successful in securing a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. This grant was supported by a donation from PNP Events Ltd and enabled the railway to partially resurface a section of the platform. The remainder of the surfacing work was funded by the Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust), including a generous legacy gift from the estate of the late Richard John King, and also from Wensleydale Railway PLC.

A.E. Duffield & Sons Ltd of Ripon were selected as the contractor and work began on 17 April 2023 with the removal of the uneven yellow tactile paving slabs that run along the platform edge. The tactile slabs were then re-laid, a new drainage channel and pipework was installed down the central section of the platform and a new tarmac surface was then applied. The new platform provides improved safety, ease of use and access for visitors and especially wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges. The work also complements the recently completed National Lottery funded station building renovations and adult changing places toilet facilities.

This project, and the new anti-slip material for Scruton station platform, demonstrates the excellent results that we can achieve with the combination of funds, collaboration and teamwork!

Your donations make a huge difference. If you would like to support to our work, please click here: https://checkout.justgiving.com/c/333226 or email fundraising@wensleydalerailway.com

“We are ever mindful of the need to ensure that our railway is safe, accessible & inclusive to all our visitors whilst ensuring that we preserve & promote the UK’s proud railway heritage for future generations to enjoy. This project is a great example of funding, collaboration and teamwork producing terrific results. It is just one aspect of our on-going plans to improve the railway’s infrastructure and our continuing commitment to providing an enhanced experience for our visitors.”

Nick Keegan, Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Wensleydale Railway