The Severn Valley Railway has released a warning to trespassers as it continues its preparations for reopening.

This warning follows recent trespass incidents in multiple locations.

The SVR halted services in mid-March because of the coronavirus crisis. However, the track remains in use for maintenance and engineering vehicles.

The Severn Valley Railway has set a target reopening of August, and prior to this, steam trains may need to use the line for test runs and running in.

A maintenance vehicle in operation at the SVR

Credit: Matt Robinson

General manager Helen Smith explains: “We are running engineering and maintenance vehicles on a daily basis, and our activities are set to increase dramatically now that we are getting the line ready for our planned reopening in August. We want to send a strong message to anyone tempted to trespass on our line.  Not only are they breaking the law and putting themselves at risk, but they are also potentially endangering others.

“We ask anyone who sees people walking on the SVR line to inform the police by calling the non-emergency 101 number. Our railway line, like any other, can be a dangerous place, and we urge the public to keep safe and keep off the track.”