Replacement starts on Hythe Pier's historic train track after grants secured
WORK has begun to restore Hythe Pier's historic train track following a successful appeal for donations.
New track will be installed and the timber supporting it will be replaced in a project being carried out by the Hythe Pier Heritage Association.
The group managed to secure grants from Hampshire County Council, Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation, Beaverbrook Foundation, Dibden Allotment Fund and the national park authority.
Construction of a temporary platform along the Grade II listed Victorian pier to allow preparatory work to be carried out began last Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the association said the work was essential to preserve and extend the life of the train, which first ran along the pier in July 1922.
He said: "Despite the difficult times brought about by the pandemic over the past two years, we have already restored one of the two tractor units which began life at a munitions factory during the First World War, and one of the two carriages that were constructed bespoke for the new railway, arriving in May 1922.
"The second carriage that arrived a month later is at present also being restored, in conjunction with volunteers from the Hythe Shed, and will be back on track in time for the centenary celebration on 23rd July.
"There is still much to do, with the volunteers working tirelessly to secure the necessary funding."
To make a donation, visit hythepier.org.uk/donate