The little-known and seldom photographed Foss Islands Branch snaked through the eastern suburbs of York. It was freight only beyond Rowntrees Halt that served employees of the chocolate manufacturers. On a crisp day in December 1982 Class 31 No. 31273 (orig. D5803) threads the curves towards an ancient signal of very early NER origin. The structure on the right looks very precarious, especially the concrete block wall! 31273 was built by Brush Traction in June 1961 and was withdrawn in April 2001.

This is a view from Layerthorpe bridge towards Heworth Green bridge. The concrete block wall is still standing firmly 40 years later!

© Stephen Barrett Archive-SA Collection