A CAMPAIGN to re-open a disused railway tunnel “is not a heritage wish” but will address a serious road safety issue, says the group behind the plan.

The Mierystock Tunnel Group says making the Victorian structure near Lydbrook part of the cycle network will prevent families having to cross the busy A4136.

The group has now announced it wants to see its plan realised in two years – the 150th anniversary of the tunnel.

The ‘deadline’ was set by founder Mr Frank Barnett as supporters gathered at Ruardean Hill Sports Club to officially launch the group and to celebrate his 85th birthday.

Bob Smith, one of the engineers involved in the project said: “It’s not some heritage wish, there is a real common sense to it.

“Families with kids have to cross that main road before the Mierystock crossroads.

“If anyone has had to walk down the side of that road you realise how busy it is.

“I would be horror-struck if any tragedy happened to a family, especially with little kids while trying to cross that road when below their feet is a little railway tunnel that could have kept them safely away from the road.

“What we’ve got this society together for is we passionately want to see that tunnel joined to the rest of the family cycle trail in the Forest of Dean.”

He said they had been greatly encouraged by the success of the project to convert the much longer Tidenham tunnel into a cycle path.

Mr Barnett – with three friends – was behind the initial plan to clear the entrance of the tunnel with cash help from ITV’s People’s Millions some 15 years ago.

The hope is now to complete the job, which would mean families and others would not have to cross the busy A4136.

Mr Barnett said: “The tunnel will be 150 years old in 2024 and that is a good date to open the tunnel.

‘‘When they built the railway from the bottom of Lydbrook it took them from 1872 to 1874.

“It took two years and they didn’t have machines.

“We’ve got two years – it should easily be done in two years.”

The line closed in the early 1960s after the closure of the Arthur and Edward Colliery and thousands of tons of pit waste were used to block up one end of the tunnel.

Mr Barnett and his friends initially got permission from the then Forestry Commission to clear down as far as the keystone at the top of the tunnel arch, a depth of some 15 feet.

At the other end it was only possible to walk in about 10 feet.

Mr Barnett said: “The tunnel is now clear at both ends.”

He said the aim was that “families and kids never have to cross that 60mph A4136 again.”

Discussions have already taken place with experts about the bats – a protected species – which live in the tunnel.

Mr Smith said the small committee would welcome help from more volunteers, particularly those with experience of finding grant money.

He said: “A lot of the work will have to be done by specialist contractors but there is always something for volunteers.

“We’ve got some good people on board, we’ve got a viable project and I think we can achieve it.

“We’ve made a sort of promise to Frank.”

To find out more about the project and to get involved, visit the Mierystock Tunnel Society page on Facebook.