Alan Strickland MP on saving Heighington station

Happy memories of Sunday lunches there as a kid growing up in Aycliffe in the 1980s and 1990s, when the pub was in full swing. But also anger and frustration – that this set of buildings, which made up the world’s first railway station, had found themselves in such a sorry state. It was clear that a solution needed to be found – and fast, as the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway hurtled down the tracks towards us.

READ MORE: HEIGHINGTON STATION SAVED BY SIGNIFICANT HITACHI DONATION

Fast forward to this week and we mark a proud moment. Heighington station, the world’s first railway station, has been saved for future generations and a key part of global rail heritage secured. It was wonderful to be able to unveil a plaque to mark this key moment.

When it opened in 1826 as Aycliffe Lane station, it marked the beginning of a new era of rail – one that would see public transport transformed across our country and around the world.

Securing the funds to save the station is testament to the work over many years of Niall Hammond and his fellow members of the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. They’ve campaigned for recognition for the importance of the line, established walking routes, published information to raise awareness of the history and fought to save these crucial buildings.

This group of local residents, not known to take no for an answer, secured £90,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust, £10,000 from the Headley Trust and £15,000 from public contributions, all backed by countless volunteer hours. Their drive to meet the £500,000 goal has been inspiring.

But with the anniversary approaching, there was still money to raise to fund the ambitious project to save, restore and bring back into use these buildings. It’s been a privilege to support the Friends group by raising the need to save the station in Parliament, speaking to ministers and encouraging local firms to make significant donations.

Alan Strickland MP speaking at Heighington station on ThursdayI was delighted when Hitachi Rail, whose factory stands near the original 1825 railway line, agreed to make a generous donation to put in place final piece of the financial package required.

Not only is this support hugely welcome, but it’s imbued with a powerful symbolism. That the rescue of the world’s first train station should be enabled by a company manufacturing the high-tech trains of the future speaks to the continued importance of rail innovation to our area today. The Hitachi factory was located in Aycliffe Business Park in part because of the global significance of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and I know the 200th anniversary is celebrated in Japan, as it is here.

None of this would have happened without the consistent and steadfast leadership of the Friends group. Their work shows just what can be achieved when we come together as a community to celebrate our heritage and the contribution our bit of the North East has made to the world.

Let’s make the most of this important anniversary. Look out for the many events across Shildon, Aycliffe, Darlington and Stockton and the wider region and get involved in marking how 200 years ago, the modern railways started here on our doorstep.