Groombridge - April 2003

Moves to close the Eridge - Tunbridge Wells service from August 1982 gave rise to the Tunbridge Wells and Eridge Railway Preservation Society, whose initial aim was to maintain a regular commuter service for the local community. Sadly, as with so many railway preservation schemes, this soon proved beyond its means, and the group eventually became today's Spa Valley Railway.

Ironically, given its origins, this organisation has been pessimistic about the chances of restoring the route to the national network. However, if the preserved railway succeeds in its aim of restoring services to Eridge, the whole Eridge - Tunbridge Wells route will open again -- bar 800 the last yards to the Hastings line at Tunbridge Wells.

The section of track seen here in this view, immediately to the west of the station, is used as a run-round loop for trains terminating at the nearby platform. The vehicle seen in the far distance is actually on a short section of the former Ashurst spur used as an open air storage siding. Until January 1969 this spur allowed direct trains from Tunbridge Wells to serve Croydon and London Victoria via Oxted. The line towards the former Birchden junction and Eridge curves out of sight to the left. (Grid Ref. TQ 533 371)