1960-1976: the lifting of the line
After passenger services ceased in January 1960, the track north of Welford Park was quickly lifted. The stations and remaining infrastructures were abandoned and left to rot. When freight services between Newbury and Welford Park ended in 1973, the branch line was completely closed.
So what follows is a depressing set of images of the dismantled and abandoned sections of the railway. With thanks to David Canning, Nick Catford and Martin Loader for the images.
So what follows is a depressing set of images of the dismantled and abandoned sections of the railway. With thanks to David Canning, Nick Catford and Martin Loader for the images.
Looking east in 1977 towards Newbury from the point where the branch alignment - with the track now lifted - left the main line alignment. Photo: David Canning
Westfields Halt
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Speen
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Stockcross & Bagnor
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Stockcross & Bagnor
Above & left: Boxford Station
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Welford Park. Note removal of the up platform
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Welford Park
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9th September 1969: around Welford Park
The gate on the USAF siding
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The M4 bridge near Welford Park
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The sand drag leading up to the airbase.
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Near Welford looking north
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Sign near Welford Park
1960 onwards: north of Welford Park
Decay and desolation were the depressing orders of the day for stations north of Welford Park.
Great Shefford
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East Garston
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Eastbury Halt
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Eastbury Halt
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1969: Lambourn
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A sad sight: the principal buildings remain intact - just - but the line and all fittings have long disappeared.
The best photo yet of the station before demolition. Photo: Chris Leigh
1976: Welford Park
Branch line, signal box and sidings.
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Boxford station shelter and booking office in situ
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The station shelter re-purposed as a bus stop in the same village
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