The latest phase of the Great Central Railway's Reunification appeal has reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds.
 
The award-winning Leicestershire heritage line is raising millions of pounds to re-connect with its sister railway in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, and create an eighteen-mile route across the East Midlands.
 
The chairman of The Friends of The Great Central Main Line Andy Fillingham explained, "Our Reunification project is one of the biggest schemes on any heritage railway in the UK. We've already raised millions of pounds towards it which delivered one brand new bridge and paid for another to be fully overhauled. In early March we set out to fundraise for the next stage which will see another two new bridges built. It's going to cost around three million pounds. We began with a small sum left over from the Canal Bridge restoration, but thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters around the country we've reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds."
 

Construction 3D image - Date? Cartographer?

The project, particularly the construction of the brand new bridge, has captured the imagination the world over and drawn plenty of support from local stakeholders.
 
Andy continued, "We're living in difficult and extraordinary times. Even though we can't meet our supporters face to face, we're doing our best to keep in touch on social media, including premiering a brand new film all about the Reunification project on YouTube. We are absolutely delighted that our friends are still supporting the appeal even when priorities are changing on a daily basis. We're determined to remain on the front foot and look to the future. As soon as we have the majority of funds for the next phase of the project to hand, we will begin construction."
 
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