AMBITIOUS plans to restore a 141-year-old bridge on Severn Valley Railway’s track have been handed a boost thanks to a grant of £71,800.

SVR has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its project to restore the Falling Sands Viaduct, which stands half a mile from the Kidderminster station.

The funding will help them further develop their application for the full grant of £1 million to make essential repairs.

SVR chairman Nick Paul said: “Falling Sands Viaduct has been carrying trains across the river Stour since 1877, and significant repairs to its structure are badly needed.

“Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, once the work is completed in 2020, we’ll be able to lift the current speed restriction on our heritage trains, and look forward to at least another century of service from the viaduct.

“Restoring it will safeguard the continued operation of the SVR.

“Just as importantly, our volunteers and staff will gain heritage engineering skills, and we’ll be able to engage with our local community and schools.

“There’ll be local site interpretation, historical research and new exhibitions and educational activities.

“It’ll bring a sense of historical context for the new community that’s formed in the Silverwoods area, and beyond.”

The impressive seven arches at Fallen Sands Viaduct allow heritage trains to cross 64 feet above the river Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal conservation area.

More than two thirds of the SVR’s annual 250,000 annual visitors begin their journey in Kidderminster, and the viaduct is an essential link between the town and the rest of the 16-mile line, terminating at Bridgnorth.