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→Eardington in preservation: plans for enlargement of the station
In the earliest days of the SVR, when Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade formed the limit of operations, Eardington was used as an intermediate stopping point and watering place and was sometimes referred to as Eardington Halt.
During the period of [[Sir Gerald Nabarro]]'s chairmanship it was closed in connection with the possible rebuilding of Eardington as the northern terminus on the line. It As well as installing a run-round loop (see below), detailed plans were also prepared for the station to be enlarged and a car park provided, although this was not publicised at the time.<ref name=Marshall180>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 180.</ref> The station later re-opened in March 1981, but last appeared in the timetable as a request stop in 1982,<ref name = "Marshall103">The Severn Valley Railway, John [[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989) p103]] p. 103.</ref> after which it was removed from regular use due to the steep gradient, short platform, and low passenger numbers<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eardington_Halt_railway_station Wikipedia]</ref>.
It has since been cosmetically restored by the Friends and is occasionally opened to visitors on gala days. On 2-3 June 2018 it staged "'''Eardington 150'''" to mark its 150th birthday. The station was open to the public on both days with various special attractions (trains did not stop). The event coincided with the SVR's Goods Gala.<ref>[https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/attractions/2018/06/04/restored-shropshire-railway-station-celebrates-150-years---with-video-and-pictures/ SVR's PR on Shropshire Live website 4 June 2018] (Retrieved 24 June 2018)</ref>
===Proposed reopening===
In November 2018, FCFM Group, the owners of nearby Astbury Hall, submitted plans to Shropshire Council for development of the hall and grounds as a 'holiday venue'. The Design Statement states "The applicant has agreed to assist in financing of the reopening of Eardington Station and to take a direct link between Astbury Estate and the Severn Valley Railway."<ref>[https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/bridgnorth/2018/12/05/50m-plans-revealed-for-world-class-holiday-venue/ Article on the proposed reopening in the Shropshire Star]</ref><ref>[https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=PHHELNTDHH500 Planning application for Astbury Hall on Shropshire Council web site]</ref> This would see around 300 high quality log cabins at the site adjacent to Eardington Station. FCFM submitted to the SVR an outline proposal for investment such that trains could call regularly providing a link to the new development. The parties agreed to explore how public access could be provided from the estate to the station and what could be achieved while ensuring the character and feel of the station are not undermined.<ref>SVR announcement 7 December 2018</ref><br>
In February 2019, the SVR submitted a 'Support Comment' in favour of the development to Shropshire Council.<ref>[https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/files/18443101FA96A89B05C78950FB71FF7B/pdf/18_05052_FUL-SUPPORT_COMMENT_SEVERN_VALLEY_RAILWAY-3514070.pdf SVR Support Comment on Shropshire Council web site]</ref> In March 2019 the Shropshire Star reported that that plans had been approved.<ref>[https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/property/2019/03/12/astbury-hall-plans-backed-to-transform-former-kk-downing-estate-into-luxury-leisure-resort/ ''Astbury Hall: Plans backed to transform former KK Downing estate into luxury leisure resort''] Shropshire Star (retrieved 25 May 2019)</ref>
