Overview
- A lineside fire on an embankment north of Bewdley on Sunday prompted SVR to alert Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and suspend services while crews worked at the scene for about two and a half hours.
- SVR announced on August 3 that it has suspended all steam-hauled services until further notice because of an extended spell of hot, dry weather and little rain in the forecast.
- Heritage diesel locomotives are now hauling every passenger train so the railway can continue to operate while cutting the risk of sparks or hot cinders igniting dry vegetation along the route.
- SVR said the decision was taken as a precaution based on wider weather conditions, that safety for passengers, staff, volunteers and neighbours is the priority, and that the suspension will be kept under constant review.
- The move has caused short-term disruption for visitors and nearby residents and mirrors precautions taken by other heritage lines facing increased lineside fire risk during the prolonged dry spell.