5million

THE beloved “Hogwarts Express” steam train could be heading for the buffers thanks to a bitter health and safety row.

The iconic service, made famous by the Harry Potter film series, is under threat after rules forced a major overhaul.

The iconic train, known as The Jacobite steam train, runs through Scotland’s stunning countryside between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

But now the popular locomotive – which is enjoyed by around 70,000 passengers a year – is at a crossroads due to a long-running dispute over safety regulations and the resulting financial strain.  

Old-style carriages used in the films have effectively been banned because their doors don’t have central locking.

Operator West Coast Railways says being forced to swap them out has caused huge problems.

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Newer coaches are unpopular with tourists and far more expensive to run. They even require a diesel engine at the back just to power air conditioning.

The train, which should have started running this month, has yet to begin its 2026 season.

Bosses are now begging regulators at the Office of Rail and Road to allow the return of the original carriages.

James Shuttleworth of West Coast told The Telegraph: “I don’t know what we would do. We were losing money working like that and you don’t go into business to lose money.”

Local businesses are already feeling the pain, with trade slumping as visitors stay away.

Fears are now growing that unless a solution is found soon, the world-famous Hogwarts Express could run out of track for good.

A HISTORIC Gloucestershire lido may not open in time for summer, as the council review risk assessments into its damaged infrastructure, reports the BBC.

The site, that saw its heyday back in the 1940s, is struggling under the burden of its ageing facilities.

The Stratford Park Lido, located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been serving open air swimmers since 1937 and cost £20,000 to build.

Recently, there were suggestions that the lido could reopen this summer, after Stroud District Council agreed to explore cheaper repair options.

The council had warned that safety concerns and a £5million repair bill would ultimately take too long to settle in time for summer.

However, during a meeting earlier this week, discussions arose that the lido would be unlikely to open this summer due to the condition of the facilities.

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In February, a risk assessment revealed serious hazards, including a cracked foundation and excessive corrosion on the pipework.

There was also discussions about the lido becoming the property of the Stroud community or the town council in the future.

Friends of Stratford Lido and the Save Our Lido Campaign Group, alongside the council, have organised a meeting to discuss these decisions.

There had been 100 written requests from residents to understand what would happen to the lido in the future.

The Save Our Lido Campaign group also argued that previous maintenance plans included unnecessary upgrades, such as heating.

Now, it will cost the council’s Strategy and Resources Committee up to £200,000 to investigate whether the lido will open this summer.