Land at Pudding Norton

At very short notice, the board decided to bid for a section of former railway land at Pudding Norton, near Fakenham which was auctioned on 17th February 2009. This consisted of a short section of former GER trackbed, the three arch bridge over the River Wensum and the bridge over the M&GN line. Although this land was unlikely to be needed for the reinstatement of railway services to Fakenham it was felt that there would be significant symbolic value in acquiring it.
Despite the short notice £7,500 was raised in donations and promises. In the event, the plot sold for £12,500, which was well in excess of the agent’s forecast value.

Whilst the directors were disappointed that we were unable to acquire this token section of trackbed, we take consolation in the fact that it does form part of a protected route and therefore cannot be used for any other purpose. There would also have been an ongoing liability for the upkeep of the two bridges.

We were very pleased with the way in which our partnership with our colleagues in Mid Norfolk Railway has worked, with the two organisations agreeing a joint approach.