The stricken Severn Valley Railway has been included in the UK's application to the EU Solidarity Fund for emergency aid after the summer flooding disaster, local Euro MP Liz Lynne can confirm.

Liz Lynne, whose West Midlands Region constituency includes the SVR, wrote to Local Government Minister John Healey in August to urge it to be included in the bid. She has now received a reply from the Minister confirming its inclusion.

She said: "This is fantastic news for all those whose livelihoods depend on the railway. I was most anxious that the enormous cost of repair to this major local attraction and important part of the local economy was included in the bid so I am delighted to receive the Minister's reply."

The UK's application for £2.9 billion from the Solidarity Fund will discussed by the European Parliament, its Budget Committee and the Council of Ministers in the next few months. It will then be voted on by all MEPs.

Liz added: "I hope that the application will be dealt with quickly and that help will be forthcoming."

The Severn Valley Railway is vital to the tourist economy of North Worcestershire and was severely damaged by the summer floods. Large parts of the route are closed for repairs and it is not expected to reopen until February.

Commenting further, Liz said: "If the Solidarity Fund bid is approved it will add to the £1.5 million that has so far been made available by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Advantage West Midlands to stabilise and protect the railway. I understand that Advantage West Midlands have also made a further £350,000 to aid the recovery of the local tourism industry through marketing and publicity."

The total repair bill is currently estimated to be at least £2.5 million. The railway will also incur massive loss of revenue before it can reopen.