Historic railway platform in city park restored

The restored platform now serves as a part of a cycle track

A historic train platform in a park in Leicester has been restored as part of a wider £1.8m revamp of the area.

The feature at Rally Park once formed part of West Bridge station, which served passengers on the Leicester to Swannington line before the service ceased in 1928.

The station buildings were demolished in 1979 but a platform and some track remained as the area was converted into the park, next to Tudor Road.

The council said it had carried out the work to celebrate the railway heritage of the area.

A passenger platform was built at West Bridge station in 1876

Railway pioneer Robert Stephenson engineered the Leicester to Swannington Line, which opened in 1832, to transport coal from mines in north west Leicestershire to the city.

While the line mainly carried freight, some passenger carriages were attached to trains.

However, there was no platform at the original West Bridge Station and travellers had to disembark trains using ladders and handrails.

A purpose-built station was constructed in 1893.

The West Bridge station before it was demolished with St Mary De Castro's church spire behind

The council said the newly restored platform had been incorporated into a cycle path.

It said work was continuing on a scheme to create new walking and cycling routes, improve park entrances, and add more street furniture, new lighting, and planting.

Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: "This ambitious scheme will help remove barriers to active travel in Rally Park, creating a more family and child-friendly route in the heart of a thriving neighbourhood."

Benches have been installed to recreate the character of the platform