Talking with a group the other day about future projects and finance several couldn't understand why we are spending so much on drains and culverts.
The following by Andy Protherough from our team dealing with the challenge says far more than I ever could:
MT
Given the problems the railway has had I'm surprised people question the need to spend on drainage etc. On a recent journey I was encouraged to see the evidence of recent drainage work in many places. There's no point investing in other (admittedly more exciting)projects if there's a high risk that there won't be the infrastructure to run any trains on.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though the railway needs to pay £1k's for someone to regularly maintain these watercourses rather than spend £100k's on future landslips. We don't have the same draw on charity donations from the public as the likes of 'children in need' and so forth. I have seen and spoken to one of your volunteers trying his best to overcome mother nature at the foot crossing behind Homelands Farm. When I walked my dog that way the following morning (as I do every weekend) I was amazed to what he had achieved. And very grateful too...no more wading through the mud caused by two blocked & overspilling drainage pipes. My hat goes off to him. A donation will be in the box on my visit over your Gala weekend. Spend well!
ReplyDeleteGiven what's happened over the last few years I can't understand why anybody would question sorting out drainage. Or did they mean that THEY would do it cheaper? If so, maybe let them.
ReplyDeletePoint well made - this looks awful !
ReplyDeleteOn the PWay the drainage is No. 1 - fail to sort this out, and you will struggle forever. It's a case of a bit of trouble now, avoids a lot of trouble later - a good investment.
Glad to learn that the hydrology is being prioritised. I'm trying to place the location of the photos. I *think* it's the top of the cutting at Gretton, on the Cotswold side outside the tunnel before the Royal Oak. I'll stand corrected of course.
ReplyDeleteHi David, You are indeed correct. This was brought to my attention by Peter Muir who had been advised by Bob Mac. Just a shame the weather has turned wet again before work can start. Andy Protherough (S&T + Drainage Depts.)
DeleteThis was exposed by the lineside clearance group in July 2011 but with the other problems at the time it wasn't high on the list to be fixed as it is not immediately trackside. Hopefully it's time has now come.
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