Family to restore 'iconic' miniature railway

A miniature railway is going to be restored by the family that used to run its "iconic" Rio Grande train.

The miniature railway, which loops around the Salthouse Fields next to Clevedon's marine lake, opened in 1952 but has been left unused in recent years.

The family of Len Harvey, who ran the railway's Rio Grande train, has won a bid to get it running again. Emma Coles and her family have been appointed operators by North Somerset Council after a competitive process.

Coles said: "I'm excited to show my vision of what it can be like and what it was, to bring it back to Clevedon for children to enjoy it the way I did when I was a child."

Coles was just eight years old when the Rio Grande train first arrived at Salthouse Fields - brought there by her father.

"I remember just being with Dad when it was delivered very vividly," she said.

"The Evening Post came and the headline in the Evening Post was my dad's new train. It was a very special day for my family."

The distinctive steam locomotive was one of several miniature engines to run on the railway over the years.

Council cabinet member Mike Solomon said he was "thrilled" the family were taking on the railway.

"Their personal connection to the railway and their plans for improving the site align perfectly with our vision for a vibrant, welcoming seafront," he said.

In addition to planning a "restored and fully-operational" Rio Grande miniature railway, the Coles family plans to create a station cafe, redevelop the adventure golf course and refresh the children's rides area.

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