Plans for Caldon Canal railway

MANY boaters will have seen, and no few experienced, the Churnet Valley Railway that runs alongside the Caldon Canal.

There are now plans to extend this railway by the use of a £400,000 share issue that will be launched on the 30th March, with the public being invited to buy shares, which will be from £100 upwards.

Largest heritage line

The plans are to turn Churnet Valley Railway into the country's largest heritage line, as well as building a new station in Leek and running passenger services to Alton Towers, by securing a stake in Moorland & City Railways, which controls the 20 miles track from Stoke station to Caldon.

Some of the money raised will pay for new catering and community facilities at Cheddleton Station.

75,000 passengers a year

A spokesman tells that the railway attracts 75,000 passengers a year, and has raised £465,000 in three previous share issues, that enabled it to first buy the line through the Churnet Valley and then build stations at Consall and Froghall.

To obtain a copy of the share prospectus, contact Churnet Valley Railway on 01538 360522.