Queensbury Tunnel - Reopening a 1.4 mile Abandoned Tunnel

Please help Graeme and The Team by clicking the following link below and then the green link to the Abandonement application, comment, then press "Object": www.queensburytunnel.org.uk/ab...
Or the direct link is here: planning.bradford.gov.uk/onli...
It would mean a lot to us. Thank you.
We had a great day with Graeme, if you want to learn more please have a look at his KZbin Channel and website. Greame is a mind of knowledge and some on the railways, in particular Tunnels. Links here:
KZbin: / @graemebickerdike
Website: www.forgottenrelics.co.uk/
If you are still reading this and want to check out our links, here they are:
paulwhitewick.co.uk
/ everydisusedstation
stores.clothes2order.com/dztz...

[@pwhitewick]

Hi Folks. As we have suggested in the video, please please take two mins to follow this link. Write a small but sensible comment and the click "Object". We would be extremely grateful. planning.bradford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=PRYOLPDHI0W00

[@motelghost477]

Signed and OBJECTED. Everyone needs to do this.

[@stephenfarmer6026]

Signed and objected, great scheme!!

[@ColinH1973]

Thanks to you three I have become objectionable 😁

[@berniesteadman7642]

I too am now objectionable :-) 5342 objections vs 82 supporting at this time My Comment: This is clearly a waste of the local tax payers funds, given the studies that prove that the cost of repair and the cost to infill are practically the same, and repair, and opening as a foot / cycle path will generate over £1m per year for the local economy. The filling of No. 2 shaft does not, from the records I've seen, make any sense from a safety prospective. Please remove the fill at No. 2 shaft until a final decision has been made, and do not fill any other, until the final decision and any appeals have been heard.

[@BigKelvPark]

Done and heres my submitted comment: Over the decades, I've seen many historical sites destroyed in the name of 'health and safety'. As a railway worker who mourns the death of every worker alongside me recent and long gone past, I feel strongly that this is unjust when the proposed cycleway and repair would seem to be economically viable with parties on board to finance it. This to me is a memorial to all railway workers past and present. By the way, where I live now is by no means where I was born and brought up.

[@HSMiyamoto]

In Wisconsin, a railway between Sparta and Elroy with three tunnels was converted to a bicycle trail and has become a fantastically popular tourist attraction. People travel hundreds of miles and rent cycles from local shops, spend money in restaurants and cafes, and even stay in local hotels and B&Bs. Some people come from other countries because they hear about the experience of riding the Sparta-Elroy trail.

[@iancaveney5134]

All sounds rather typical of public spending bodies, knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Great to see the living legend Graeme B. featured. 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Living legend indeed..... And some.

[@stuarthall6631]

Further comment (if I may?): I have now used the link and placed an objection. This was incredibly quick and easy to do and I would encourage everyone to do this. You don't have to be local to this area. Tourism is a great argument.

[@Bluefire397]

I've been living in Queensbury for 18 years now (since I was born) and I think turning the tunnel into a cycle path would be a perfect idea, connecting Bradford and Halifax, as well as becoming a bit of a tourist attraction. Good work

[@alancook9586]

Got my support. Disused railways should be recognised as an integral part of any strategy to reduce our carbon footprint by encouraging people out of their cars. The gentle gradients required for trains and the direct link between communities make them ideal for a sustainable cycle health strategy. Good luck with the campaign

[@nialloconnell5895]

So glad you've hi lighted Queensbury Tunnel, I've been following it for a while now, everybody needs to get onboard with this. Not only a fantastic piece of engineering, people lost there lives building this for us. It would be criminal to just fill it in with £7 million worth of concrete paid for by us tax payers, as you have said the same cost or less to repair and reopen ... just baffling !!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Niall. Criminal indeed, we wouldn't do this to a beautiful viaduct, so why do it to this piece of stunning heritage!

[@terryansell6641]

I have signed the Queensbury tunnel would be a amazing asset for tourists and locals

[@chrisjordan4214]

Petition signed well done for highlighting this, we need like you on this planet

[@JohnE9999]

Objection sent, and the video shared on social media. Good luck to you!

[@clwydian1]

I have objected to the infilling, great to see it is now over 5000. Thank you for highlighting this.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Have followed the link and objected. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@jjskn93]

Got my support, here's what I wrote; Spending money to close a structurally sound peace of railway architecture is both foolish and shortsighted. A cycle path would be a brilliant use of the old route. A similar thing was done to the line between Bodmin and Padstow, a route that millions use and rent bikes for every year.

[@pwhitewick]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@kiddywolf1837]

Added my support.

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

It isn’t structural sound. Two cave ins and 300 metre of unstable structure. These people are talking about spending millions to save a hole in ground. Stop day dreaming and get an independent engineering statement.

[@bullettube9863]

@@michaelnaisbitt1639 I think they made it clear that there were professional engineers involved who said the tunnel could be repaired for less then what it would cost to demolish.

[@bullettube9863]

@@michaelnaisbitt1639 I think they made it clear that there were professional engineers involved who said the tunnel could be repaired for less then what it would cost to demolish.

[@joannefender4913]

An absolute pleasure to support. Objection submitted best use of 15 minutes this year!!

[@keving6218]

Signed, history needs to be preserved, and would be a great cycle way.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Kevin, sadly it seems its a little too late. Grant Shapps has gone back on his commitment to help and reduced the offered amount considerable.

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

Signed petition as object and have shared this video please keep us updated with this and thank you for sharing this with us 👏👏😁x

[@gilles111]

Just added a little help from The Netherlands. Good luck to Graeme and hopefully one day I'll come over to cycle down the tunnel!

[@andrewlindley837]

Delighted to meet the lady heading the campaign today and delighted to register my objection. Will pass to friends. Thank you for what you are doing

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andrew, very kind.

[@TRAMJUNCTION7147HG]

Just objected to help with stopping the abandonment. Good luck.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you.

[@maureenandcolinisles47]

As a kid about 10 years old watching the trains make their way up and down the strines cut at the south end of the tunnel was something I still recall now at age 86. Some evenings I saw a man fastening explosive charges to rail....no doubt some kind of signalling device. During a trip back to Halifax (my birthplace) I was dismayed to see the situation around the tha former strines cut which had no resemblance to what I remember as a 10 year lad. Colin Isles, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

[@kevinduffy6712]

Hi bud you would have been there before they closed it in the early 60's ? and they were detonators( Explosives') and are still used in NSW Australia today . You probably Knew my dad ? Brian duffy ? . '

[@maureenandcolinisles47]

@@kevinduffy6712 I do not recall the your Dad's name, in fact, I have forgotten the names of most of the kids I hung around with.....1945 is a long time back.

[@kevinduffy6712]

@@maureenandcolinisles47 ok 👍

[@peternoyce9350]

Paul - another great video, have just registered my objection and see that there are well over 5600 objections

[@pwhitewick]

Fantastic thanks Peter.

[@stevehales67]

Objected. Currently at 5618 objections. Thankyou for highlighting this cause.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Steve, let's hope we can get towards 6k

[@flightimage845]

Thank you so much for making this video and alerting us to the potential plight of this tunnel.

[@romanodowbusz6139]

Been visiting forgotten relics for many years now, Great website.

[@Conan500]

Objection lodged. Now over 5,400 objections recorded! Let’s hope people power wins. Great video as always 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Phil. Heading upwards.... Wonder if we can hit 6k

[@antmerritt]

Objection done! This area is beautiful and so close to Bradford . Bradford has been routinely neglected by local government and something like the opening of this route may well start a resurgence in its fortunes. Thank you for raising my awareness of this issue. 👍👊

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Ant, very much appreciated.

[@petestuart6584]

Commented and objected. Very straight forward process. The very best of luck!

[@traceyprescott8347]

I have been following these tunnels for a very long time. As i grew up in that area. I have objected , regards Paul.

[@stuarthall6631]

Thank you for this very interesting campaign video. Obviously, the campaign here also has a wider application too as these arguments apply to so many sites around the country whether the plan is to create cycle paths or else to keep the tunnels extant for a possible future railway reinstatement (such as at Monsal in Derbyshire). Keep up the good work!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Stuart, absolutely, whatever their use, they are a wonderful resource and piece of our heritage. Lets celebrate that.

[@ContenderG]

1 objection logged, hope this part of our history can be saved with our collective support. 👍🤝

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks jack.

[@bobingram6912]

I'm onboard, thanks for bringing it into the spotlight, here's hoping🤞

[@ShedTV]

Thanks for highlighting this madness. I've followed the link, objected and commented. Very easy to do. Good luck with the campaign.

[@CallingAllStations]

Got my objection 👍 a thoughtful and well produced and presented documentary.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andy, much appreciated.

[@ACHowes]

Objection lodged Paul. Well done bringing this to public attention! Keep up the good work you two!

[@pwhitewick]

Wonderful. Thank you very much.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

wow. so interesting and lots of information. The tunnell should stay and be opened to the general public. Near me is the double tunnells on the old Market Harborough / Northampton Line and is is wonderful to be able to cycle through it. The Northampton and Lamport Railway society hope that one day trains will pass through it again. Really enjoyed this presentation.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Keith. Yes the Brampton tunnels, we went in those a short while back.

[@hairyairey]

I live in Peterborough I need to find these tunnels (would love for the line to Northampton to be reopened too...)

[@laszlofyre845]

Just signed the petition AND objected. Thanx for bringing this to my attention. If it was good enough to get you two out for a five hour drive, then it's worth five minutes of anyones time to lend support. Thanx folks!

[@pwhitewick]

Love that, thank you Lazlo.

[@herbrand47]

Thank you for the video on the Queensbury tunnels. have sent in an objection, at time of posting there were 5547 objections. Keep them coming in.

[@andrewthornegeo]

Done it. Thanks for sharing this Paul and Rebecca.

[@pwhitewick]

Great stuff, thanks Andrew.

[@mikeholdaway2412]

A year ago I was researching the Queensbury abandoned station. This is the reason I started watching your channel

[@pwhitewick]

Haha.... Full circle it seems.

[@nicolasshaw9408]

Objection registered keep up the momentum to this Tunnel and supporting structures fantastic video as always

[@jezm1703]

Added objection. Good to see Graeme again after my last contact with him. Great channel, enjoy it very 'doobly-doo' much and keep up the good work !!

[@dennislancet]

A big thank you for coming north to visit my suggestion, really enjoyed the video, just hope those in charge that make the decisions can see the potential that could be gained from opening the tunnel for all to enjoy as an expansion to the already successful Sustrans system nearby .

[@alantraish3368]

Went to this magnificent tunnel in 2000. The Queensbury station end portal door was open and I could have walked it but with no torch and on my own didn’t . It was a hot day but cold in the tunnel . The strings cutting end was flooded but I managed pictures of it. All of the Queensbury lines hold a fascination for me when I first discovered them thru Backtack magazine in 1995. Many tunnels and viaducts still exist. I even visited Well Heads tunnel in the middle of a winters night! Never been so spooked! So I made the pilgrimage in 2000. I’ve signed the petition and also a big fan of GB and forgotten relics page. Good luck to the campaign and thanks to you for this video as there is some serious terrain up there. Stay safe all.

[@pwhitewick]

Brilliant stuff, thanks Alan

[@d22matt]

My brother and I have signed the petition 👍

[@pwhitewick]

👍👍👍

Objection submitted. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[@alangillanders2811]

have posted a objection even though I live in Australia and will be visiting the UK in April on a holiday

[@JonathanThackray72]

I've objected. Great video, many thanks, love your channel. Hope it can be re-opened.

[@simonmorley9962]

Thank you for bringing this to a wide audience. The potential benefits and opportunities go beyond important local interest and need. It is ludicrous this abandonment seems to be ploughing on. Easy to lodge an objection. Shared also. Good luck!

[@trevormegson7583]

Great that you came up North. Thank You.

[@pwhitewick]

Our pleasure!

[@jezyoungssecretgardens3950]

Another interesting video, followed the link and objected to what seems a ludicrous waste. Keep up the good work

[@johnrmp6115]

A very informative video about a shocking process. I have objected, and commented along the lines (sorry about the pun) that you explained in the video. Number of objections now up to 5420. Good Luck!

[@robchisholm72]

Commented and objected. Thanks for spreading the word.

[@MLampner]

As requested I have filed my objection. I live across the pond but am a frequent visitor to the UK, or at least was prior to COVID, and I enjoy rambling and cycling through the country. With friends in Bradford I am keenly aware of how useful this route could be. Good luck.

[@stevetetley5479]

I got to walk it fully in 2017 after years and years of the South portal being under water, used to play where the station was in the 80s when the platforms were still there and the little viaduct . I was gutted to look out of my window to watch the engineers pull up on shaft 2 under darkness and started to fill it.

[@lesfez1875]

Done, good luck.

[@GhostTheory]

Another great piece of information, sweet that guy there answered the questions regarding the shaft. Poor workers too, having that on your mind. Lovely music and great production :)

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers gents much appreciated.

[@exileinderby51]

Just followed the link and objected, hope everything works out.

[@billyruss]

Alas, I never got to walk through Queensbury. Visited the triangle, and walked through Clayton and a number of others on the Queensbury route (including Lees Moor, a favourite) back in the 80s whilst staying with a mate at Bradford Uni for the weekend. It was already pretty inaccessible, and I always hoped I would someday get the chance to get inside - this and Rhondda are the two major tunnels that I visited but didn't gain access to. Great to see Graeme - like yourselves, I've followed his work online, and contributed a few pictures to Forgotten Relics over the years :-)

[@lunadevass5561]

Petition signed.Hopefully be enjoying a breakfast cobb up here sometime in the future,just like Monsal.

[@pwhitewick]

Sounds just perfect to me.

[@NickShields]

Excellent work. Thank you.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Nick. 👍👍

[@darenbarnes1465]

Well the 5000 figure has been blown out of the water. Well done for bringing the plight of this Victorian treasure to the wider public eye. My objection is in the pile. Reading some of the documents the filling of shaft two was not agreed my the local council, and legal proceeding may be taken. Good to see the the councils are in support of what the different support groups are trying to achieve.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Darren it seems to be heading towards 6k, we would be incredibly humbled with the small part we played should it be a success.

[@envoycdx]

Objected, and comments left. Cheers for making people aware.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you 👍👍

[@davidchamberlain7010]

Just watched the Queensbury Tunnel video and was unaware of the planning application. Living as I do in Calderdale have now registered my objection accordingly, thanks for highlighting the plight to us all.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you David. Much appreciated

[@michaelpilling9659]

Signed! - "objected". Great film. Thank you guys.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

Isn’t it typical the people and what they think isn’t important. I so hope you get to keep the tunnel. I so enjoyed that. Thanks for taking me along

[@pwhitewick]

Indeed Linda. Everything for future generations. A pleasure taking you along.

[@reluctantanorak]

Have added comment as object and registered. For those who don't know the immediate area, the route of the old railway had relatively steep gradients but there is no public road equivalent other than very steep and relatively narrow roads used by buses and lorries which are potentially dangerous for cyclists and in many cases have no pedestrian access. This would be a fantastic facility for walkers and cyclists.

[@pwhitewick]

Great thank you and thanks for sharing.

[@psychokeef]

Thank you for this informative video and I’ve signed the petition objecting to the filling in of the Queensbury tunnel as it can be of use to the public in some way or another 👍

[@andytaylor1698]

Done my bit. Fingers crossed 👍🏻

[@robynlovat3344]

I used to live in the Calderdale area , I find this absurd given the benefits of the proposed use , objected and signed , keep up the fantastic content guys , I've been off work with a long term illness and look forward to your videos , helps take my mind off my illness and gives me the chance to see some countryside as I cant get out much at the moment 🙂

[@lisasargent9006]

Brilliant project.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Lisa, tis indeed. We massively admire Graeme and the teams work here.

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

I signed the petition - IDK what they'll think of someone from Troy, NY USA

[@stuarthall6631]

I should imagine that they would be well impressed, Rich! Thank you! You give this an international flavour. I'm sure that they would appreciate a few U.S. Dollars in Yorkshire! You'll come to the U.K. in order to walk through this tunnel won't you if it reopens!

[@sidewaysaction9983]

Top man, I have a family connection to the digging of the tunnel, 10 deaths digging that hole means nothing! Thanks mate.

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

@@stuarthall6631 yes in fact My wife are coming to England and Scotland in June

[@berniesteadman7642]

They now a have an objection from Germany also :-) I lived for 2 years in Harrogate, 20 - 30 miles away from this site.

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

@@stuarthall6631 if you are near the south coast of UK on your holiday let me know we can show you and your partner around the sights

[@norfolkmountainman4332]

Good luck with that project. Definitely worth while

[@stevebeeston]

Good to see this issue covered on this evening's Channel Four News

[@IanRMcAllister]

Thanks Paul, Rebecca and Graeme = commented and OBJECTED. I presently note 5,221 objections. Being based in South Wales, and having noted the works and projected revenues associated with the Rhonnda Tunnel, happy to fully support this similar highly beneficial project - Good Luck!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Ian, yes we don't know a great deal about the Rhonnda Tunnel project. Must educate ourselves on that too.

[@colwichjunction3366]

Objection logged - great video as usual, let’s hope this wonderful opportunity to utilise the tunnel isn’t wasted⚠️

[@cornwall_in_Squares]

We need to start an adopt a tunnel trend or an adopt a tunnel organisation so many are being lost where instead they could be used again and appreciated as part of our industrial heritage. like a lot of our industrial past, it would be a shame to lose what can be beautiful engineering the likes of which will never be replicated by modern building methods. Keep up the good work keep finding the tunnels.

[@davidbrown-px7cr]

I live in Bath and we have the Twin Tunnels cycle path along a stretch of old railway line (The Somerset and Dorset). Combe Down Tunnel (tunnel 1) is a mile long and Devonshire Tunnel (1/4 mile long) Sustrans were part of the campaign to re-open both tunnels and upgrade the section of path which cost £1.9 million about 5 years ago. The path is regularly used by locals and tourists, so the Sustrans calculation of the financial benefits would be correct as they have the evidence from here. Also as a cyclist its just a great and interesting experience that I've cycled many times. This does feel like the contractor pushing someone in Highways England to make a lot of money. I will be objecting shortly

[@neilsmith6092]

I’ve just signed it only took a minute. Good luck 👍🇬🇧

[@Sim0nTrains]

I helped out by filling it out and objecting to it, I think they will see sense when mention it could be used a potential future cycle route as part of the Tour De Yorkshire (hoping as soon as they see that a high light bulb would go off in their heads!) but again, it does have a full potential but the Tour De Yorkshire would be the maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum maximum full potential. Also Bradford is once place I do love to visit. as for the video, I think you did a pretty good job interviewing Graeme, it's different which made it enjoyable. thumbs up.

[@robertmorris3152]

Smashed through that 5000 figure! Objection submitted, less than 2 mins, very easy

[@stephenpegum9776]

Yet another fascinating video Paul - but I did think poor Rebecca must have felt a bit left out - although of course we needed to hear from Graeme. Have registered my objection as requested. Cheers guys.👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Without Rebecca the videos would not be possible. Much of the content, overlay, photos, editing etc is her work. 👍👍

[@stephenpegum9776]

@@pwhitewick Maybe I wasn't clear in my first comment. I just felt sorry for Rebecca being left behind in the video when of course you had to talk to Graeme most / all of the time. The poor girl looked cheesed off !! 😱

[@gussmedways]

Signed. Thanks for raising this.

[@lanaflint4241]

Just objected, more power to you guys, keep on fighting, from a London Otliensian.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Signed as this is in my home territory, wishing them luck and all best in the scheme.

[@marcuslee8789]

Objected - what an opportunity for everybody should this remain open as it should! Thanks for raising its profile.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Marcus.... It's been a while 👍

[@stuartgc8950]

Objection registered, all done. Well done for bringing this to everyone’s attention.

[@pwhitewick]

Wonderful stu, thank you.

[@AndyHudson-ModelRailwayBuilds]

signed Paul good effort by all involved

[@julianlane8313]

Some great abandoned tunnels on the old Hull-Barnsley line might be worth a look in the future.

[@saltleywsc]

Signed and objected..they should look at the Rhondda Tunnel project to get an idea of what's possible !

[@pwhitewick]

Yes. We may well look at that ourselves too.

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

Thanks, Mates from across the pond! Keep up the great explorations, saw "Inside an Abandoned Mountain Railway Tunnel" first, which led me to here and now I'm subbed :) I guess I have a lot of catching up to do - lol. Oh, and yes I was #6195 who objected - cheers!

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome to the channel, appreciate your subscription!

[@garryhammond7616]

As normal superb video.....but this one had some bite!! I have taken the time to object (It took me about 5 Mins) The infill of the shaft had an air convenience about it....thank goodness you have put this video up. I note on 09/01/2020 there were over 5000 objections. Thanks Rebecca and Paul.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Gary. We took our time editing this as we really wanted to do it some justice. Glad it came across ok.

[@michaeltrott5032]

You’ve got my support.

[@nigelt1218]

Thanks you for this most informative video, I have just signed up to object to the planning application by the Highways Agency. I had no idea they were still trying to infill the tunnel. It took 5 minutes, well, what are you waiting for, go sign up.

[@pwhitewick]

Its getting close now...

[@neilthomas9244]

Great vid guys. Have submitted my objection. Hope it takes off.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Neil. Very much appreciated good Sir.

[@Steampunk-Cyclist]

I followed the link, commented and objected. What with all the green initiatives, they should be looking at ALL old rail lines and putting cycle ways on them. It is a criminal waste of all the effort that went into all the railway route engineering. I explore, follow and find out what remains of old railways both in the area of Dorset & surrounds, plus anywhere I go on holiday in the UK. Well done, keep up the good work!

[@Garret_Time_Winder]

I noticed that another American chimed in on the topic and I too feel strongly about the cause. I am from Arcata, California, USA. I signed the petition and submitted this comment, I wish you all the best of luck: I strongly object to the idea of turning this engineering marvel of it's time into a lost subterranean artifact of the future. The greater interests of the local communities would be best served to restore the Queensbury tunnel into an asset to help relieve traffic congestion and promote healthy and environmentally sound methods of addressing issues that face everyone, everywhere. I also can't dismiss the sacrifice of those who built the tunnel and those who lost their lives in the construction. There's a lovely memorial commemorating these efforts, but never forget that the tunnel itself is the best monument one can leave behind for the future, a glimpse of history and heritage that can never be replaced.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you very much, all very well said.

[@rubbishsignup]

Objected and nearly 6000 objections registered. Pity a few are getting mixed up with object & Support! All the very best and thanks for featuring this important tunnel. Refurbishment can be done. Coombe Down Tunnel near Bath on the former S& D Railway, was reopened in 2013 after a £4m project. Incidently, Coombe Down is 1829 yards long!

[@stuartgalsworthy6959]

I have cycled Combe down a few times and plan on doing again soon.

[@justvin7214]

Objected. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[@pwhitewick]

That's great thank you Vin. 👍👍

[@auser1484]

Another Rebecca and Paul video, good stuff.

[@pwhitewick]

Always a pleasure.

[@stephenphillip5656]

The same tactics were used over 30 years ago in the attempts to close the Settle to Carlisle route. "They" came up with a figure of £6million (1980s) to repair Ribblehead viaduct, said it was far too expensive and proposed closure. This is after stage 1 in the 70s when "they" diverted traffic from the route and then said nobody used it. Cost of repairing the viaduct? About £1.5 million. Fortunately sense (eventually) prevailed and a valuable asset to the railway network was saved. I watched with alarm the infilling of the shaft on the local news. If "they" had had access to the other 6 shafts, Queensbury tunnel would've been history now. Removing the 2000 tonnes of aggregate has just added to the cost of the reopening of the tunnel though.

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, such a shame that they had access to this shaft!