Has the mystery of a beach 'ghost' railway been solved?

On the serene shores of Trimingham beach, remnants of an old railway track have sparked a wave of curiosity and speculation among locals and visitors alike. Recently, a holidaymaker shared photos of these tracks on social media, which quickly garnered over a thousand likes and numerous comments. One enthusiastic user remarked, 'It's not every day you find railway lines on the beach! ' This post ignited a flurry of theories about the tracks' origins and their historical significance. Some local historians proposed that the tracks were laid during World War Two to aid in the construction of concrete fortifications. Others suggested that they were used post-war to transport coastal mines for controlled detonations. However, the true story behind these tracks may be different than what many believe. An archive photo from 1973 reveals a long stretch of railway track situated behind coastal flood defenses, which are still visible today. According to Rob Goodliffe, a coastal transition manager at North Norfolk District Council, the tracks were actually installed in 1973 to facilitate the construction of coastal protection structures, including timber revetments and groynes. He explained that Trimingham beach is quite isolated, with limited access points, making the railway essential for transporting heavy materials like concrete and steel. Mr. Goodliffe noted that the construction process was fraught with challenges, as cliff falls were damaging the tracks during the building of the coastal defenses. Many sections of the track were ultimately buried under debris from the cliffs, and workers were unable to reach them for removal. Over the years, as the cliff materials eroded away, the tracks became exposed once more. In addition to the railway remnants, visitors can also find the axles of a truck, which were left behind from the construction activities. The beach has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, drawing people interested in its unique history. Gemma Clarke, a visitor from Coalville, Leicestershire, shared her fascination with the area, stating, 'I have been coming to Norfolk since I was little, and I have always been intrigued by the history here. ' She discovered the tracks while searching online and was eager to see them in person, even bringing her family along for the adventure. While Gemma appreciates the historical significance of the tracks, she expressed uncertainty about whether they should remain on the beach or be relocated to a museum for preservation. Mr. Goodliffe reassured her that the council has no plans to remove the tracks, as they have become an integral part of Trimingham's heritage. However, he cautioned visitors to exercise caution when exploring the area, as the cliffs are prone to erosion and can be dangerous.