AN ambitious plan to extend the Dean Forest Railway to connect Lydney with Cinderford is finally building up a head of steam.

The project which was shifted onto a siding by the Government’s Office of Rail and Road in 2015 is now said to be only days away from getting back on track.

The volunteer-run railway wants to reopen the stretch from Parkend through Wimberry near Beechenhurst to a new railhead in Cinderford.

The eventual aim is to re-open commuter rail services between Cinderford and Lydney as well as boosting tourism revenue for the area.

But the whole project hinges on the Office of Rail and Road department approving a new level crossing at Parkend.

As the Office of Rail and Road’s general policy is against creating new level crossings, this has proved something of a sticking point.

FULL REPORT IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER