Miniature railway line planned in Cromer to ease tourism congestion
The Cromer Light Railway Club wants to construct a new track and engine shed on land opposite the Amazona Zoo
A new miniature railway line could be built in Cromer, to ease tourism congestion in the town.
The Cromer Light Railway Club wants to construct a new track and engine shed on land opposite the Amazona Zoo, southwest of the town centre.
While the line, which has the support of the town council, would initially only run around a small area next to the zoo, if it proves successful, it could be extended towards the centre of the resort.
Its backers say the scheme could bring “significant benefits” to the area and could help visitors to move between Cromer’s various attractions.
A planning statement submitted to North Norfolk District Council said: “If approved and then run successfully and with the necessary backing the miniature railway also has the ability to expand and create a link to the Meadow, through the Cromer Hall campsite, which will reduce traffic movements on the Hall Road and become a more substantial and useful attraction.”
The Meadow is located next to the town’s visitor centre and car park, around 300 meters from Cromer Pier – one of North Norfolk’s key visitor attractions.
Alan Ball, treasurer of the Light Railway Club, said: “There will be a circuit loop, a station and storage at the start.
“We have got a steam locomotive and others that run on electricity or diesel power.
“Going through planning is a hard process but it has to be done and we hope to run a service two to three times a week in the early summer.”
Mr Ball said the club has already bought and refurbished a second-hand track with new sleepers, meaning members will be ready to start the project quickly if planning permission is granted.
The club hopes to keep fares low to encourage locals and holidaymakers to make use of the line.
It says other nearby businesses which could benefit from the railway include the zoo, a football golf company and a pick-your-own fruit farm.
Mr Ball added: “It will be quite nice in the summer down there with so much going on. The area has really livened up.”
The train would be around 10pc the size of a regular, full-sized, service and would travel at around five-10mph.