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Round 2 CRF application failed
*Despite some recovery from May onwards, the UK economy in October remained 8% below the pre-pandemic levels<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/10/uk-economy-almost-at-a-standstill-before-new-covid-restrictions-hit-ons-says Elliott, L., 'UK economy almost at a standstill before new Covid restrictions hit, ONS says', The Guardian, 10 December 2020] (Retrieved 10 December 2020)</ref>.
*Both Shropshire and Worcestershire moved to 'tier 3' on 31 December as infection rates rose. A third English national lockdown followed from 5 January 2021.
*In February 2021 the government published proposals for the conditional lifting of restrictions in stages between March and June.
===Timeline of events on the SVR===
*On 9 October the SVR was awarded £906,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/445-heritage-organisations-saved-by-103-million-investment-from-government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport] (Retrieved 9 October 2020)</ref>.
*2 November: it postponed train services for a month, including the start of [[Christmas services]].
*26 November: The Railway confirmed that Christmas services would operate as planned from 3 December, the published statement {{as of|2020|11|30|lc="y"}} being "''The Railway is in an area that has been designated as Tier 2 in the new post-national lockdown restrictions. This means that we’re able to open December 3rd and Christmas events will go ahead as planned. If you have bought event tickets, or are interested in buying event tickets, but you live in a Tier 3 area we strongly recommend that you read the Government guidelines before you travel out of your Tier 3 area''"<ref>[https://www.svr.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?a=948 SVR Website] (retrieved 30 November 2020</ref>.
*31 December: As a result of both Shropshire and Worcestershire moving to 'tier 3', all public services were suspended until further notice, although only 4 days running remained.
*January 2021: February half-term services were cancelled, with the next intended services being Easter from 2 April 2021. Staff were again furloughed and non-essential voluntary work deferred. The first special event of the year was announced, the Spring Steam Up replacing the Spring Steam Gala in April, with continuing restrictions on travel such as pre-booked compartments and tables only. The Fight Back Fund total had reached £930,000. The Trust submitted a further application to round 2 of the Culture Recovery Fund.
*February 2021: The railway announced it planned to restart its public services with regular excursion services from 12 April and other facilities opening when permitted, with previous COVID-19 safe measures continuing.*In March 2021 the SVR's bid for a second Culture Recovery Grant failed.
==Effects on the SVR==
