End of the line for Stratford Bike Hire carriage
AN old railway carriage made its final journey when it was hauled off the Greenway in Stratford, where it had stood for the last 15 years, and was placed on the back of a lorry.
The carriage had been home to a bike hire business which rented out Pashley bicycles, disabled bikes and trikes to residents and visitors for adventures along the Greenway.
It had been located next to the well-loved Bobby’s café carriage, which will remain in place.
Wayne Vickers, who owned the carriage as Stratford Bike Hire, said: “Moving the carriage all went pretty smoothly. It started at 9.30am and was on its way by 4pm. A crane lifted the carriage and it was then winched into position on the removal truck.
“Lots of people I’ve known for years turned up to give the carriage a good send-off and the good news is it won’t be scrapped, it’s going to a rail yard in Stoke-on-Trent but I don’t know what the intentions are for it.
“I’ve been helping to set up a cycle hire at Riverside Caravan Park which starts this weekend.”
Warwickshire County Council has said the departure of the railway carriage will create space for a new bike hire company that will offer Stratford Greenway’s visitors a selection of different bikes and carts to suit a variety of needs.
Councillor Jan Matecki, portfolio holder for transport and planning at Warwickshire County Council said: “We are sad to say goodbye to the carriage that has housed the Stratford Bike Hire for many years and would like to say thank you to its former operator who has worked hard providing a valued service to our visitors. We are, however, excited to introduce a new bike hire company to Stratford’s residents and visitors; we are confident this offer will support our sustainable travel objectives and help people enjoy Stratford and the surrounding areas in a way that will benefit their mental and physical health.”