MIND the gap as one of the Forest's original steam stations is to be re-instated, with work starting this spring – possibly as early as next month (April).

The Dean Forest Railway has confirmed that work will start in the spring on the re-instatement of Whitecroft Station including replica station buildings. Railway spokes­man, Stuart Bearne, welcomed the funding assistance received from Forest of Dean Local Action, part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Local landlord Mario Constantinides of the Miners Arms, who has helped fundraise for the station, says he's 'over the moon'.

"I'd like to be the fat controller if they'd let me... but seriously it'll be something really good for Whitecroft and we'd certainly like to set up some beer or cider festivals to entertain anyone stopping at the station."

The £100,000 programme of work involves a four-coach platform on one side of the line towards Parkend with a station building built in traditional Severn and Wye style comprising waiting room booking office and toilets. Future developments will involve a platform on the other side of the line, goods shed, and doubling of the track through the station.

Whitecroft is the only station on the Severn and Wye network between Lydney Junction and Parkend that has not been re-opened by the Dean Forest Railway and with this re-instatement the system will be as it was when regular passenger services ceased north of Lydney town in 1929.

The funding package, which supplements Dean Forest Railway's own investment in the project, is being supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: 'Europe investing in Rural Areas', delivered though the South West of England Regional Development Agency with Defra as the Managing Authority. The Forest of Dean Local Action Group say they are pleased to be able to grant funding to the project because of the contribution it will make to retaining the district's heritage and culture, and the community and visitor enjoyment it will provide for many years to come.

Opening of the station is anticipated for the autumn of 2011.