Modern Railways Pictorial Magazine, July 1982 Issue

WHATEVER disclaimers may be issued by BR press men as regards the possible closure of the Settle and Carlisle line - the writing is on the wall for all to see..The same tactics are being used to close the line as were employed on the Somerset and Dorset Railway — and elsewhere — 20 years or so ago. It may be coincidence that the 71-mile distance between Settle and Carlisle is exactly the same as that between Bournemouth West and Bath Green Park, but not coincidence that much of the traffic has already been diverted away from the S&C route. The rot started with the withdrawal of the 'Thames-Clyde Express' and, since then, main line expresses have disappeared from the scene, all air braked and most fitted freights are already routed over the WCML. a number of signalboxes (including Ais Gill and Dent station) have been closed and standards of maintenance are dropping with the withdrawal of Class 1 trains. In addition, there has been a reduction in freight traffic generally thanks also to the Depression and ASLEF strike, especially the mixed wagonload trains which have been associated for so long with the S&C route. As if this were not enough, there is the deterioration of major structures, especially the viaduct at Ribblehead. In the present parlous financial state ofBR and reduced Government Support, the time is unpropitious for major capital investment in a little used line. Dmus for ramblers in summer and a weekly steam special (on average) are hardly sufficient to support the line. Nor is the new infrequent passenger service likely to produce much revenue. BR employees on the line read the signs and recent predictions have given the line a life expectation of two years.

The line was difficult to construct and it is undoubtedly costly to maintain. IfBR feels that the line is superfluous and that all traffic can be diverted on to other routes, then it makes obvious sense to close the S&C, even if the route is scenically unsurpassed. The pressure groups raise important points such as the value of the S&C as a diversionary - route and the inconvenience suffered by travellers from Yorkshire to the west side of Scotland should complete closure take place. With an increase in the leisure industry it is claimed there could be an untapped source of income. However this is unlikely to be enough to satisfy mounting losses. The general run-down procedure parallels the pre-closure events of the Somerset and Dorset and the end result will doubtless be the same. Why, then, is BR not being frank about its intentions? Why the secrecy? If there is no strategy for closure, then why not reverse the flow of traffic and start using the large amount of spare line capacity. An injection of capital expenditure on major structures would allay fears of imminent closure, but alas this is not going to happen. It is hoped that closure will not prove to be a short-sighted move.

In the next issue of MRP, Picture Parade will show scenes from the ER, Railrover will feature the Shrewsbury area and there will be items on Class 46s on the WR, freight on the
South Western Division of the SR, Class 03s nationwide as well as Photonews, Photoguide and Railscene — quite a package.