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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.

The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson
The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson

It had been located next to the well-loved Bobby’s café carriage, which will remain in place.

The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson
The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson

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.

People looked on as the former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage was from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson
People looked on as the former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage was from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson

“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.”

Above, the operation to remove the carriage. Below, left, Wayne Vickers of Stratford Bike Hire, left, and Matt Beecham who brought the carriage to the Greenway back in 2009. Photos: Mark Williamson
Above, the operation to remove the carriage. Below, left, Wayne Vickers of Stratford Bike Hire, left, and Matt Beecham who brought the carriage to the Greenway back in 2009.                                         Photos: Mark Williamson

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.”

The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson
The former Stratford Bike Hire railway carriage being moved from the Greenway last week. Photo: Mark Williamson


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