A PROJECT to restore a unique piece of industrial history to its former glory has received a huge boost – but it will need public support to move forward.

The iron bridge across the Dean Forest Railway near St Mary’s Church in Lydney has now received listed building consent which means restoration work will be permitted and it may eligible for grants.

The cost of restoring the bridge, which is 125-years-old this year, has been put at £150,000 and the Dean Forest Railway (DFR) is hoping to secure grants to help pay for the work.

The railway is applying for Growth Programme funding from the Rural Development Programme for England – but the deadline is next Monday (September 25) and applicants have to show public support for the project.

Project manager Jane Kelly said: “Part of the full application requires that we evidence demand for the project so we are hoping people will send letters of support, preferably by September 25.

“It is a jewel in the crown of Lydney’s industrial heritage and as much needed today as it was when it was built in 1892.

“The people of Lydney, and visitors, will once again be able to enjoy a truly authentic heritage train-spotting experience.

“With significant support here in Lydney we are launching an appeal to local businesses and people to raise funds towards the bridge’s restoration.

“The more we can raise, the more chance we have of securing contributions from funding sources, so every pound counts.”

The bridge was built in Glasgow by one of the foremost producers of decorative ironwork and is now the only surviving example of infrastructure of the former Severn and Wye Railway still in its original position.

Conservation body Historic England considers it “a very complete survival, elegant and of great economy in engineering design.”

The bridge was closed in 2007 and re-opening it would re-establish the link between the footpaths through St Mary’s churchyard and Lydney Lake.

Letters of support can be sent or e-mailed to Jane Kelly at the Dean Forest Railway, Norchard Station, GL15 4ET or e-mailed to dfrjane@yahoo.

co.uk

Cheques can be sent to the St Mary’s Bridge Appeal at the above address or donations can be made via Paypal.