Councillor Richard Stanley, the Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, and Rachel Thatcher, the Manager of the Tewkesbury Heritage & Visitor Centre, visited the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway on the 1st of October.

The visit aimed to reinforce the relationship between the council and the heritage railway.

The visit aimed to boost tourism in the borough, with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) serving as a pivotal attraction for visitors.

The railway, renowned as a tourist attraction with over 100,000 passengers each year, spans 14 miles from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway, largely within Tewkesbury Borough.

The railway confirmed that in 2024, visitor numbers have rebounded to levels comparable to those before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussions encompassed various subjects, such as joint marketing efforts to boost both the railway and the broader Tewkesbury region.

Councillor Stanley expressed his admiration for the GWSR’s dedication to sustainability and preserving history.

“Our borough has a lot to offer visitors, and the GWSR is a major draw.  The vibrancy of our borough’s tourism offer plays an important role in supporting the economic success of the area and is a significant tourist attraction, on par with Tewkesbury Abbey and Sudeley Castle.

Councillor Richard Stanley, the Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is primarily run by more than 900 volunteers, who are dedicated to maintaining the railway’s historical integrity.

Ian Scholey, the Infrastructure Manager for GWSR, emphasized the continuous efforts to stabilise the historic Stanway Viaduct, a project that is feasible due to the commitment of volunteers and the application of innovative engineering solutions.

“The GWSR is a testament to the dedication and diverse skills of our volunteers. They come from all backgrounds, with a shared passion for preserving our railway heritage. These individuals, many of whom are retired, contribute their time and expertise to every aspect of the railway, from maintaining the tracks and restoring locomotives to operating the trains and welcoming passengers.

Ian Scholey, Infrastructure Manager for GWSR

The council, in partnership with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), will continue their collaborative efforts to enhance tourism and showcase the unique attractions of the North Gloucestershire borough.