Arley - home of Santa's Grotto

Arley station was built along with the line in 1862. The first signal box was built in 1883, and the platform built to accommodate six coach trains. The local transport needs were met quite adequately, as the local roads and paths were somewhat primitive. Passenger trade was busiest with summer holiday visitors, and Arley was home to a small goods yard.

Opened on the original Severn Valley line

run from the outset by the Great Western Railway, the station stayed with that company during the grouping of 1923, passing on to the Western Region of British Railways during the nationalisation of 1948. It was then closed by the British Transport Commission.

Although thought by some people to have been closed as part of the Beeching axe in 1963, its planned closure pre-dated his report. The passing loop was taken out, sidings cut up and platforms removed, with only Alveley coal traffic surviving. In 1969 the line through Arley finally became disused.
When the line was reopened by preservationists working up from Bridgnorth in 1974, work got underway to restore Arley to its former glory. The main railway building was in relatively good condition and was totally renovated. The platforms were rebuilt and track re-laid. The old signal box having been demolished, a replacement of non-GWR design one was reclaimed and brought in from Yorton, near Whitchurch, and connected to signalling equipment.

Santa Heralds (Santa on the train) are running on December 19, 22 and 23, departing Kidderminster at 10am, 12.25pm and 2.45pm. Tickets price 9.50 with children 1-15 getting a rather good pressie.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk