The package includes £500,000 towards the damage caused to the Severn Valley Railway, which is estimated to be as much as £2 million.
Following more than three times the average rainfall in late June, many areas in the West Midlands have suffered from flooding and subsidence. In particular, rural tourism businesses in Worcestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire have been significantly affected, either through damaged caused as a direct result of the floods or as a result of lost revenue to visitor attractions. The recovery package of support from Advantage West Midlands includes:
- Funding of up to £500,000 to secure the repair of the Severn Valley Railway which has suffered major damage in the floods
- An investment of £250,000 towards the refurbishment of the Highley Engine House, which will increase further the number of visitors to the Severn Valley Railway in the long-term
- A £250,000 marketing and publicity campaign, working with local authorities and partners, to encourage more visitors to speed-up the recovery of the tourism economy
European funding worth around £750,000 is also likely to be made available to speed-up the repairs and support the Advantage West Midlands-led recovery activity and is in addition to national Government response.
John Edwards, Advantage West Midlands Chief Executive, said: "The Severn Valley Railway is a unique attraction in the west of our region as it is a gateway into the counties of Shropshire and Worcestershire and moves people along the route to visit attractions along the way.
"We need to get it up and running again as quickly as possible - these floods have been devastating to this attraction, which brings in 250,000 visitors each year and it is imperative swift action is taken.
"The volunteers and members of the Railway have launched their appeal to restore the track and it is important this continues, but the funding will enable us to get the route working again quicker, generating visitors and money for the local economy.
"Importantly, we are not simply giving away the money to carry out the repairs - by investing in the Engine House refurbishment and raising the profile of the tourism sector in the West Midlands on a national basis, we will create a sustainable recovery."
Philip Dunne MP for Ludlow, said: "I welcome this constructive response from Advantage West Midlands in helping Severn Valley Railway fund its massive repair job.
"The Severn Valley Railway plays an important role in the tourism economy of south east Shropshire.
"Many people and businesses will be keen to see it back to normal as soon as possible, come rain or shine."
Photo: Philip Dunne MP (right) inspects Severn Valley Railway track damage near Highley station with Mike Ball SVR director, Phil Sowden SVR chief engineer, Peter Lindsall and Bob Braddock of Bridgnorth District Council (Photo: Shropshire Star)
