Bridgnorth Cliff Railway sets reopening date

Bridgnorth Town Council said the repair work had to be expanded to cover 65.5m of the wall

Bridgnorth cliff railway, which has been closed for 14 months for major repairs, is to reopen on Monday.

It has been out of action since damage was discovered to a retaining wall, owned by the town council.

Work to replace it has cost £750,000, with the authority partially funding it through a loan.

The funicular railway connects low town to high town and local residents will be able to enjoy free travel on it until 8 March.

Residents with WV15 or WV16 postcodes should take proof of their addresses to benefit from the gesture.

"I think over the past 14 months we have found out how much it means to the town," Barry Evans, Bridgnorth Cliff Railway engineer, told the BBC earlier this month.

"It's been a big loss. It's cut down on revenue into the town, cut down on tourism, which affects everything in Bridgnorth."

One of the steepest cliff railways in the country, it has transported people up and down the 34 metres (111ft) sandstone cliffs for more than 130 years.

It was closed in December 2022 on safety grounds after damage was discovered to the retaining wall.

Initially thought to affect only a small section, repairs were ultimately expanded from 7.5m to 65.5m of the wall.

The railway which has advertised for more workers, has also introduced card payments as an option for passengers "due to popular demand".

Cash payments will continue to be accepted.

Operators said: "We thank all our loyal staff, whose support has made it possible for the Cliff Railway to reopen, and look forward to transporting passengers between Low Town and High Town once again."