CONCERN has been expressed over the pace of efforts to prepare a North-East town for the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger line.

Talks are ongoing over how to improve Darlington’s rail heritage attractions in time for the double centenary of the Stockton and Darlington railway, in 2025.

One idea that has been raised is the possibility of a steam-powered micro-brewery on or close to the town’s Head of Steam railway museum.

Darlington Borough Council, which runs the museum, said discussions are progressing and has reassured special interest groups such as Darlington Railway Preservation Society (DRPS) that they will be included in the process.

Richard Wimbury, a former chairman of the Friends of Darlington Railway Museum and member of Darlington Historical Association, as well as a part-time volunteer at the museum, said: “We produced a list of what were regarded as railway heritage assets in the town, with assessments of what could be done with them.

“That was 12 to 15 months ago and we have not moved on much from there, so I am a little bit apprehensive about how the whole thing will move forward.”

Mr Wimbury is also a member of the Rail Heritage Forum, a multi-agency group set up to discuss plans for the 200th anniversary.

In a letter to The Northern Echo, DRPS member Barrie Lamb said: “Any type of heritage is only on loan, our part is to protect, preserve and safeguard the right for future generations to celebrate and continue promoting.

“I have been involved with the railway museum for the past 40 years, and am still passionate about preserving Darlington's famous railway heritage for future generations.”

Mr Wimbury welcomed talk of a micro-brewery forming part of efforts to revitalise the museum and its surroundings in time for 2025, but added a note of caution.

He said: “If a micro-brewery, with some connection to steam, is a viable option for bringing people in, then I am all for it.

“I am not sure a micro-brewery would be able to find the cash to get the buildings into the correct state of repair and provide the sort of facilities which would attract people, so I am worried about how viable an option it is.”

Meanwhile, museum manager David Tetlow has decided to leave after five years and will depart in five weeks.