Newport’s riverside locomotive is more than a hundred years old, having been built in Glasgow in 1911.

It saw service at Abercarn tin plate works and at Ebbw Vale Steelworks. Over the years, it would have also been in use in many of Newport’s industries. In 1970, the engine was returned to Ebbw Vale for refurbishment and by 1974, it was at the Caerphilly Railway Society. It ended up in Newport, having been presented to the borough by British Steel. What concerns me are recent rumours that the engine may be removed from the city. To where, I do not know, but Blaenavon has been mentioned. If this is not a rumour, somebody needs to speak up quickly. Newport must have its own industrial/heritage museum. We have plenty to fill it with. Let’s have some answers please.

Ian Brewer, Melfort Road, Newport