Changes

The galas continued with '''February 1968''':On 1 February, BR published their application for the first Light Railway Order. Objections were received from Shropshire County Council on the grounds that it would prejudice the tacit approval proposed construction of BR. The Easter Steam Gala featured [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|No 3205]], while the Autumn Gala saw 10,000 visitors to [[Bridgnorth]], with 3205 and [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|46443]] making alternate trips to [[Hampton Loade]] and back. Over £1By-pass (an estimated £60,000 increase on the original estimate of £1m was raised quoted) and from Highley Regional District Council that it would prevent road improvements on that Bank Holiday alone. However BR, which was still a narrow bridge in the LRO holderEardington area<ref>SVR News 13, became concerned at safety at such sizeable events“Severn Valley Railway Progress” (R.H Dunn)</ref>.

'''April 1968''':The year saw galas continued with the tacit approval of BR. The Easter Steam Gala on 13-15 April featured [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|No 3205]]. Large crowds resulted in long waiting times, hindered by the arrival lack of a run round loop and sufficient coaches. Admission fees were 3 more engines; /6d for adults and 2/- for members and children, with around £600 in funds raised<ref name = SVR11/>. '''May 1968''':[[LMS Jinty 47383|LMS 3F Jinty 0-6-0 No 47383]] arrived on 26 May, . '''July 1968''':Ex-Hams Hall Power Station [[Peckett 1738|Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1738]] arrived on 13 July and . '''August - September 1968''':[[LMS Ivatt Class 4 43106|Ivatt 4MT Mogul 43106]] arrived on 2 August. :The Autumn Gala on 31 August and 1-2 September saw 10,000 visitors to [[Bridgnorth]], with 3205 and [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|46443]] making alternate trips to [[Hampton Loade]] and back. The capacity issues of the Easter Gala were resolved, and over £1,000 was raised on that Bank Holiday alone. However BR, which was still the LRO holder, became concerned at safety at such sizeable events. :On 7 September, work began to dismantle the signal box at Pensnett which over the following months would be dismantled and reassembled at Bridgnorth<ref name=SVRNews11>SVR News 11</ref>. '''October 1968''':Negotiations with Shropshire County Council and the other dissenting parties proved fruitless, and a Public Enquiry became necessary to consider the proposed Scheme for the Railway. This was held on 1-2 October 1968 at County Hall in Shrewsbury. BR gave backing for the Railway, and many other witnesses were called. The plans put forward for the bypass and evidence on road usage appeared to those present to be hastily put together. :On the afternoon of second day of the Enquiry, a special train consisting of 3205 and three coaches took the Inspector and all parties from Bridgnorth to [[Bewdley]] to view the Scheme at first hand. The Minister of Transport’s decision would be based on the Inspector’s report.