Graeme Bickerdike

Writer, campaigner and occasional lens-pointer. NOT an engineer. Heart carved by Victorian stone mason. Values legacy assets. Owner of thick anorak.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

@NatalieDru24530 Aren't they just.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

Just watched this on Channel 4.
Exquisite documentary making and a story that restores your faith in humanity.
https://t.co/C62CBcJxSk

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

Living on borrowed time is this striking structure over the former Southport-Aintree line near Formby. @NationalHways intends to demolish and replace it.
How can we find large amounts of money for new structures, but not modest sums to properly maintain what we already have?

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

70 years ago today, QT was officially closed to freight traffic, bringing the curtain down on an operational life that lasted just 78 years.
The enterprise, ambition and sacrifice that went into its construction was no more reflected in Fifties decision-making than it is in 2026.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

They're at it again.
@NationalHways decided to partially infill #LowAshyardBridge near Kilmarnock - completely burying the historic structure in hundreds of tonnes of stone and concrete - without consulting its Stakeholder Advisory Forum.
Heritage doesn't matter, apparently.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

The decision to circumvent scrutiny by the SAF is inexplicable given the heritage impacts.
@NationalHways might call this "a support structure", but it's self-evidently a partial infill scheme, with all the damage that comes with it.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

They're at it again.
@NationalHways decided to partially infill #LowAshyardBridge near Kilmarnock - completely burying the historic structure in hundreds of tonnes of stone and concrete - without consulting its Stakeholder Advisory Forum.
Heritage doesn't matter, apparently.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

There are cracks...

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

Gallery 2 at Salt's Mill hosts a hugely evocative collection of photographs by Ian Beesley, capturing Bradford in the later part of the 20th Century. It oozes social insight.
If you're in the area with half-an-hour to spare, it would be worth your investment of time.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

After two years work, it's such a delight to finally have the new book in my hands. A digital PDF really isn't the same!
Its formal publication date is this Sunday. In the meantime, Amazon is selling it with a 22% discount.
Go on, you know you want to...
https://t.co/hGt0M6R0oa

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

This time next week, we have a meeting with @simonlightwood to present the case for QT's retention.
Will he be receptive to objective evidence or will he have swallowed - hook, line and sinker - the skewed, destructive perspective of civil servants?
The tunnel deserves a future.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

I thought it was about time I produced another video on the saga of Queensbury Tunnel.
What's going on there demonstrates just how poorly we are being governed. A shocking waste of money when there's an opportunity to make a positive difference.
https://t.co/aaot55cmdA

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

@Chisholm4Trail @theHREgroup When you say "dog leg", I presume you mean for a rebuilt bridge? Two problems, if so: the "firmer ground" to the north is probably as susceptible to erosion as the firm ground around Ross House once was. And of course the bridge is listed so it has to be restored sympathetically.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

My article on the collapse of #SpeyViaduct has been published on the @therailengineer website.
Let's hope a way can be found to ensure a positive and beneficial future for this outstanding structure.
https://t.co/PDHiyd2Mee

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

I just wrote a @QburyTunnel letter: ​Tell the minister: Be a builder not a blocker! Write one here: https://t.co/abG1i77Pp6

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

The group hoping to save the magnificent Queensbury Tunnel from National Highways' socially-destructive abandonment scheme is holding a gathering at the structure's north portal on Sunday at 2:30pm.
They'd be delighted to see you there.
https://t.co/7wzXZQ37co

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

We're intending to hold a gathering at Queensbury Tunnel's north portal at 2:30pm on Sunday 18 January, in support of the structure's retention as a transport asset. If you're able to attend, we'd be delighted to see you there. Please put the date on your calendar!

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

Still some way to go before full, but there's been a substantial rise in the level of #BaitingsReservoir in the eight weeks since 20 September.
@Hudsonweather

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

We published our podcast, #TheQueensburyConundrum.
In this episode, we answer your questions on Queensbury Tunnel's abandonment and hear about progress to link the two existing sections of the #GreatNorthernRailwayTrail.
Let us know what you think.
https://t.co/TkraM0xrfb

[Calling All Stations - the transport podcast @AllStationsPod]

Moved by @GraemBickerdike's interview with @christianwolmar on saving @QburyTunnel in our latest episode? Then check out this link from @TransportActio2 on what you can do the help: https://t.co/dC6OWb30tY

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

Campaigner @GraemBickerdike has been interviewed by @christianwolmar for the latest edition of the @AllStationsPod.
They discuss the ongoing battle for @QburyTunnel and reflect on @NationalHways' vandalism of legacy railway bridges.
Worth a listen!
https://t.co/OQRhhb3CLs