The £270,000 repair of the historic Stanway Viaduct is now underway. 

The 200m viaduct - an architectural feature of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) – was found to have a failed mortar joint beneath both parapets stretching from Toddington to Broadway.

The deterioration has been traced back to an original design fault and appears to have developed over many years.

The issues came to light when track materials were removed to replace the failed waterproof deck, revealing that both parapets are leaning slightly outwards.

Dr Graham Plant, GWSR civil engineering director, said: "We have pressed ahead to jet-wash and grout the failed joints.

"To ensure long-term stability, the parapets will be secured by stainless steel wire ropes attached to the parapets and fixed to reinforcing mesh within the new concrete viaduct deck.

"The wire ropes can be adjusted to take account of construction tolerances in any future movement of the parapets.

"We and our consultants have burned the midnight oil exploring a range of options and this is the neatest and most cost-effective remedy.

"Importantly, it does not affect the heritage appearance of the 120-year-old viaduct and minimises delay in resuming train services to Broadway.”

The undertaking is the responsibility of Worcester-based Walsh Construction.

In a letter to supporters, GWRT Chairman Philip Young wrote: "The Trust has identified how it can fund the additional spend that is critical if work is to continue to ensure that our trains start running again to Broadway, as soon as possible.

"We are able to do this thanks to the support of all our members, donors, and supporters."

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, a volunteer-operated heritage railway, runs 28-mile round trips through the Cotswolds' most spectacular scenery.

Utilising the former Great Western Railway's route from Birmingham to Cheltenham, which used to pass via Stratford-upon-Avon, it operates steam and heritage diesel trains from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway.

The line offers outstanding views of nearby hamlets, villages, the Malvern Hills, and beyond.

The GWRT, which is also financing phase 1 of the project, is appealing for ongoing donations to cover costs – emphasising that this will help get trains back on track, 'as soon as possible'.

For donations, visit https://www.gwrt.org.uk/donate/stanway-viaduct-appeal.