IN response to your Flashback of Wednesday, June 8, I worked at Worcester Foregate Street in the late 1950s and early 60s as a porter.

The branch line - if you can call it that - was known as the Butts Branch. It joined the main line just south of the station. When it was busy with horse traffic, the branch was controlled by the signal box.

For those who remember the footbridge, the signal box was just above. In later years, just before its closure, it was controlled by a ground frame.

I never ever saw an actual engine with the horse traffic vans. Going back to pre-war days, I've seen pictures showing the line going alongside the river towards the bridge and beyond.

D W TAYLOR,

Bromyard