Train Line, that now forms the Isabel Line, was open till 1964, when it was closed, along with many other mostly rural, branch lines in the Beeching Cuts. These came after a report conducted in 1963, year of my birth, investigating the plethora of railway lines in England at the time, and looking at potential cuts was published. It was conducted by Dr Richard Beeching, a physicist and engineer, engaged by the Tory Government to compile the report. I was born on the year of the report, and I have clear memories of the rails and sleepers being still in place. There was a line going out through Haughton, Gnosall, Newport, Telford and on to Shrewsbury.
I have clear memories of walking on the lines when there were still steel tracks and sleepers, in place. I think they were not removed till the 70's I could be wrong, they were certainly still in place many years after closure. Do that today and they would be at the scrap yard or used in peoples gardens, having been 'liberated' by 'concerned' citizens! It's a wonderful leisure recourse. I regularly run along with my Dog, and of course hosts the local Park Run on a Saturday. It is good to see Dr Beeching's Cuts lines, are still being used effectively, as in the Isabel Line, some have even been reopened.
Know I've mentioned this before on here, when someone was wondering about the potential for fishing in the pools, but they are saline, though I suspect the content of salt is diminished over the years. There used to be a nearby commercial salt works, up by the tip and at Baswich, Stafford has a lot underground saline water, I learned to swim in the old Stafford Brine Baths, 'you didn't swallow any'! I believe there are plants growing at the Astonfield local reserve, that normally grow near the sea! If you haven't been there, take a look, it won't take you long its not massive, and even though you shouldn't expect too much, I think it will prove worthwhile, and if you are very lucky you may see one or to of the wildlife rarities that are down there!