A £2.4 million overhaul of a popular tourist attraction is on track to be completed in time for the summer.

Colne Valley Railway has been undergoing a major redevelopment ever since the charity which runs it received a £1.75 million heritage lottery grant.

The funding not only ensured the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society could splash out on new facilities, but it also secured the railway’s long-term future as it allowed the charity to purchase the site in Castle Hedingham where it is based.

Among the new facilities set to be on offer to the public once built at the Yeldham Road site are a new car park and entrance hall, new museum and a restoration centre for old railway carriages.

Paul Lemon, chairman of the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society, said: “One thing the lottery did do is allow us to buy our site which means if nothing else, our future is secure.

“Work has been plodding on for a while now, but it has been protracted and frustrating at times waiting for permission for certain things.

“It’s a bit like a jigsaw because it can take a long time before you see any real progress.

“The museum has taken a while because there were complications with the foundations, but we are expecting builders to start work on the walls very soon.

“In terms of the entrance and car park, they should be up and running around Easter or in May which will be a massive step forward.

“This scheme is all about benefitting the public and offering them world class facilities.”

While it is hoped the entrance hall and car park will be ready by May at the latest, Mr Lemon has admitted that the other facilities will need until the summer before they can be opened to the public.

Once all work is complete, the railway’s preservation society will then be looking at other ways to improve and expand Colne Valley Railway. Mr Lemon added: “We have about six different ideas on what to do next.

“We are in discussions with the Environment Agency about protecting the railway banks which is very close to the river.

“We would also like to increase the toilet and catering facilities at some point.

“The biggest thing though is contacting nearby landowners and seeing if we can expand the site.

“A heritage railway needs to be at least five miles long. Ours is quite a short line so we need to give that a bit more attention and find a way to expand it.”

For more information visit colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/.