Latest news with #Pitsea
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Grand reopening of Basildon Miniature Railway sees touching station tribute
A MUCH-LOVED and long-closed miniature railway has officially reopened to residents following an emotional event over the weekend. The Basildon Miniature Railway, in Pitsea's Wat Tyler Country Park, has been painstakingly restored since falling into disrepair and closing in 2019. On Sunday, councillors, volunteers and excited south Essex residents gathered at the rural railway to mark its much anticipated return. Pride - Dan addressed residents at the railway's grand reopening (Image: Dan Harrison) In a moving tribute to lead volunteer Dan Harrison's recently-passed father and former Mayor of Basildon, David Harrison, the railway's station was named in the late councillor's honour. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Dan, who helped lay the original track as a teenager in the 1980s and has led the effort to regenerate the railway, said: 'Yesterday was the official reopening of the railway where the station was named after my late father, David Harrison, who served on Basildon council for over 50 years. 'Dignitaries from the local authority attended a ceremony to cut the cake and ribbon. 'Thank you to my family, especially my mum, the council, especially the park staff and my amazing volunteers. 'I'd like to also thank Hastings Miniature Railway and and Ropley Miniature Railway for their support.' Passion - The railway has been carefully restored by Dan and his team of volunteers (Image: Dan Harrison) Over the past five years, Dan and his team of dedicated volunteers have given hours of their free time to the project of revitalising the neglected railway. It is one of the longest of its kind anywhere in Essex and offers passengers a scenic journey through Wat Tyler Country Park. Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, was one of those in attendance on Sunday. He said: 'I was honoured to join the Deputy Mayor of Basildon and the Harrison family for the official opening of the Basildon Miniature Railway. 'It was a privilege to stand alongside the wife and son of former councillor David Harrison who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to get the railway renovated and reopened. Their dedication, together with the brilliant efforts of all the volunteers and council officers, has brought this much-loved attraction back to life. 'The railway is buzzing every day with families bringing their children to enjoy Wat Tyler Park. Read more Volunteer behind Basildon miniature railway restoration issues heartfelt thank you Watch: Basildon's reopened miniature railway welcomes first passengers Appeal for volunteers ahead of Basildon Miniature Railway's imminent reopening 'I am looking forward to working with the team to see how we can support plans to extend the track, add stations and create even more fun along the way.' Tribute - The railway's station was named after Dan's late father (Image: Dan Harrison) Mr Callaghan went on to encourage residents who have not yet visited the railway to do so and said that he has nominated Dan for the Alf Dove Award for an outstanding contribution to the local community. The award seeks to recognise significant contributions made by individuals to the wellbeing of the community in Basildon.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Yahoo
Delays and skipped stations on south Essex c2c network due to late freight train
A LATE-RUNNING freight train is forcing c2c services to skip stations this morning with delays also reported. The disruption is affecting services between London Fenchurch Street and Pitsea and Grays. According to the rail operator, the train was delayed at Dagenham Dock and has now been moved on. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. An update from c2c states: "Grays to London Fenchurch Street due 07:57 has been delayed at Grays and is now 3 minutes late. "This is due to a late running freight train at Grays. "Pitsea to London Fenchurch Street due 08:48 will be started from Stanford-Le-Hope. "It will no longer call at Pitsea. "This is due to a late running freight train at Dagenham Dock." Later services throughout the morning appear to be unaffected by the disruption.
BBC News
31-07-2025
- BBC News
Basildon miniature railway reopens after six-year absence
A miniature railway line has reopened to the public after being closed for six restored the track at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Essex, and the first passengers rode on the carriages on Harrison, 51, who owns the Basildon Miniature Railway company, hopes to run a service every day of the school holiday this summer."When I took it over, it was in a deplorable state, you could hardly see most of the track," explained Mr Harrison, who has spent about £50,000 on the refurbishment. "It was overgrown and there were lots of rotten sleepers - there was quite a lot to do!" Trains began running on the one mile (1.6km) railway in the 1980s, but the line was closed in of hours of work have gone in to refurbishing the track between the main station area and the marina within the extensive work is needed before the northern loop line towards the main entrance can team have two locomotives and several carriages. Mr Harrison, who works in financial services, said being driven to the railway as a child was one of his earliest memories, and he went on to volunteer for the previous owners in 1986."I was originally involved in laying some of the track, and seeing it getting into a state and knowing it had been closed down - I just wanted to get involved in bringing it back to life," he said."I think there's been a lot of keen interest [in the railway]."People who live around here will be very much aware it's been closed for quite some time and there's a level of excitement growing." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pupils at school in Basildon complete 3K run as part of 'successful' programme
Pupils at a school in Basildon have completed a 3K run as part of a new programme. Northlands Primary School children marked the end of the "Backside to Trackside Juniors" initiative by proudly finishing the race. The effort was made possible by funding from the Pitsea Area Committee, which provided the young runners with starter kits and trainers whilst helping them build confidence, get active, and set goals. Director and head coach of the scheme, Andy Stead, said: "The pilot Backside to Trackside Junior programme has been a huge success. "The children have all put in massive effort and achieved so much, I'm super proud of them." Read more Southend's iconic Rossi Parlour announces extended summer opening hours New shop fronts and children's play area among £86k plans for south Essex town Basildon councillors Jack Ferguson and Pat Reid attended the event to support the young athletes. Grant Taylor, assistant director of community and leisure at Basildon Council, said: "The funding provided by the Pitsea Area Committee has made a positive impact. "It's inspiring to see what they can achieve when given the opportunity and encouragement." Plans are in place to extend the initiative to other Basildon schools.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Delays expected as c2c line reopens following south Essex signalling fault
RAIL lines have reopened between Pitsea and West Horndon following an earlier signalling fault on c2c network. Significant disruption was expected due to the fault, with the rail operator now warning that some delays may remain. Passengers have been advised to check their journeys and plan for minor delays and service revisions - disruption is expected to last until 8.15am. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. A spokesperson for c2c said: "Following a fault with the signalling system between Pitsea and West Horndon the line is now open. Disruption is expected until 08:15 09/06. "Train services via Basildon are returning to normal but some services may still be delayed or revised." Greater Anglia is currently conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice with arrangements made for c2c rail tickets to be accepted on these journeys.
