Bridgnorth Cliff Railway prepares to reopen
Bridgnorth's historic cliff railway is preparing to reopen.
The service, which transports passengers between High Town and Low Town, will welcome back visitors on Monday, April 19.
Cliff railway chairman Dr. Malvern Tipping said: “As for other businesses and attractions, the last 13 months have been very challenging for the cliff railway. We and our staff have tried to do all we can to make the facility safe for staff and passengers alike while trying to keep it afloat financially.
"Although I gather that Bridgnorth seemed rather quiet on its first day of the reopening of non-essential shops and hospitality venues, market towns in my home county of Suffolk were busy. I am sure that numbers will pick up in Bridgnorth, too, in the coming days. Already, our staff have been receiving enquiries from passengers about our reopening."
Throughout lockdown, the railway's CCTV, which was struck by lightning in August last year, has been replaced.
The new system allows staff to operate 16 cameras and control on and off-site recording.
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Mr Tipping added: “Our staff are biting at the bit and are really enthusiastic about seeing the cliff railway back in operation. They and the management much look forward to welcoming back old faces as well as new passengers.
"We are much hoping that staycations this year will help us to recover some of the heavy losses incurred over the last year. Also, we believe that the reopening of both the cliff railway and the nearby Severn Valley Railway will help other businesses by encouraging visitors to the town.”
All passengers will require a face mask.
During the closure, the cliff railway took the opportunity to have contractors remove trees and saplings across the property, after having been asked by the town clerk Lee Jakeman to remove tree growth on a section next to Stoneway Steps.
Passengers will now have far better views from the cliff railway and Castle Terrace.
During 2021 the railway will be pushing its support for the Bridgnorth Art Trail.
