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SHERINGHAM LEVEL CROSSING GOES AHEADThe North Norfolk Railway will soon be reconnected to the main railway network by a tramway-style "occasional use" level crossing between Sheringham's two stations. Managing director Hugh Harkett confirmed that Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate has approved the plans, and that work to connect the lines has been planned for January, timed to minimise disruption to road traffic. The main purpose of the crossing is to bring visiting steam engines to the Poppy Line. Project director Steven Ashling said: "We also hope to be able to host special charter trains bringing steam from London's Liverpool Street station right through to Holt. These trains will mean extra customers for businesses in the area." It is envisaged that the crossing will be used no more than 12 times a year. The reconnection has been made possible by an anonymous £30,000 loan on top of some generous donations: the appeal for funds remains open to repay the loan as quickly as possible. The crossing will be reinstated at an appropriate time - fifty years after most of the Midland & Great Northern railway throughout Norfolk was closed, although the section from Melton Constable to Cromer, including today's Poppy Line, remained open until Dr Beeching's infamous axe swung in April 1964. The 50th anniversary of the closure is being commemorated by a special steam gala on the line on February 27th, 28th (the day of closure in 1959) and March 1st, and on the following weekend, March 7th and 8th. Colin Borg on 020 8789 0478 or 07774 710 354. ladybird.cottage@tiscali.co.uk The work has been made possible by a generous loan from an anonymous donor. The Railway's appeal for funds remains open, and cheques (payable to North Norfolk Railway plc) should be sent to Crossing Appeal, Sheringham Station, NR26 8RA. |

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