Help on tap for the track

15/04/2004

Water workers have done more than 330 hours of hard work to help a North East attraction get on track.

Chainsaws at the ready, forty-eight Northumbrian Water employees from throughout the region cleared two miles of railway track of trees, shrubs and debris between Woolsingham and Stanhope in Weardale. 

The volunteers carried out the work as part of Northumbrian Water’s ‘Just an Hour’ initiative.  Employees can each commit an hour a month or 12 hours any time in the year to a community project during work time.

This summer the first steam train to run on the line for ten years will travel between Woolsingham and Stanhope and will be open for the public to enjoy.  Eventually 18 miles of railway track between Bishop Auckland and Eastgate in Weardale, County Durham, will be reinstated and will attract visitors to this stunning part of the North East.

Water Production Manager for Northumbrian Water, Simon Platten, who is based at Broken Scar Water Treatment Works in Darlington, enjoyed a change to his usual routine:  “It was great to get out into the fresh air in such beautiful surroundings – something different from the usual day job!

“It was tiring work clearing the track, but feels good to know that we have contributed to something which is going to benefit Weardale and the North East as a whole.”

Tony Greenup, the Weardale Railway Project Manager, said:  “The work carried out by the Northumbrian Water volunteers was amazing.  They got stuck in and enjoyed themselves, but also had a professional approach to the work.  They did themselves and their company proud.  I hope they come and help again!”

For further information contact Cara Hall, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6720.