SWANAGE Railway Company chiefs have praised the work of a Dorset law firm for its ‘pivotal role’ in helping the town get reconnected to the mainline rail network.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has acted for Swanage Railway in its negotiations with Network Rail and Dorset County Council.

Following these talks County Hall has now leased three miles of additional trackbed, and the existing six-and-a-half mile line, which was on a shorter lease, to Swanage Railway for 99 years.

Swanage Railway Company chairman Peter Sills explained: “Securing a 99-year lease was one of the key elements in realising our ambitions to have passenger trains running on the main line to Swanage. Ellis Jones played an absolutely pivotal role in this.

“It means a large piece of the jigsaw puzzle is now in place and we can press ahead with the major work, including track restoration, needed for the next stage of this historic project.”

British Rail closed the Swanage branch line in 1972. The line was re-laid by volunteers and a thriving steam railway operates on the branch.

It is hoped passenger trains could be running again on the mainline from Wareham, and then onto Corfe Castle and Swanage later this year.

Ellis Jones partner and commercial department head Nigel Taylor described the negotiations as long and complex.

He added: “In such circumstances, it is often critical to have a speed of response from your client. Swanage Railway, and in particular Gavin Johns (Swanage Railway Trust chairman) and Mick Stone (Swanage Railway’s lands and property specialist) were superb in this respect.

“Swanage Railway has been a client of Ellis Jones for more than ten years and we’re proud to have acted for them on such a historic lease.”