Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway

Later operations, and closure

Through passenger services on the Ashby Line started on 1 July 1890, running from Nuneaton, via Burton to Uttoxeter and Ashbourne. Other enhancements followed, including a slip coach from Euston, slipped at Nuneaton via the Ashby & Nuneaton line, and continuing to Buxton. A return working was attached to a main line train at Rugby. The passenger service had never been buoyant financially, and it was discontinued from 13 April 1931. Nevertheless, after passenger closure the line continued to be busy with through freight traffic. Seventeen daily freight trains traversed the line from then, right up until 1948. There were a number of fitted freight trains operating, some originating as far away as Accrington. Several used the Churnet Valley Railway to Stockport.

After the ordinary passenger service ceased on both lines on 13 April 1931, excursions continued to run to Skegness until 1961. Freight traffic ceased from Shackestone to Hugglescote on 6 April 1964, the section from Measham to Market Bosworth being closed to all traffic on 12 November 1971, and Market Bosworth to Nuneaton on 19 July 1971. A short section at Hugglescote reopened about 1976 as part of the new rail link to Coalfield Farm open cast site loading point. This was currently in use in 1988. From Measham and Donisthorpe Colliery to Overseal (the northern end of the joint line) closed to all traffic on 20 June 1981.

Locations

Moira West Junction; on Midland Railway line from Leicester to Burton;

Moira East Junction; east facing junction;