THE structure of an iconic South Tynedale landmark is set to be examined following concerns over its condition.

The 165-year-old Alston Arches, at Haltwhistle, transported steam engines over the River South Tyne until the closure of the line between Alston and Haltwhistle, in 1976.

Now South Tynedale Railway Presentation Society, which owns the historic viaduct, is set to act on concerns raised by members of the public, about possible damage caused to the structure by river erosion.

But the society said the structure was reviewed as recently as last year, in the aftermath of Storm Desmond, and it remained confident that no erosion had occurred since.

The society’s Heather Palmer said: “A member of the public contacted us directly about possible erosion and the Environment Agency also said it had been contacted by somebody expressing similar concerns.

“We had the structure thoroughly checked last year and no issues were raised at the time.

“In light of these further concerns from the public, we are instructing our specialist engineer to carry out another review.

“I am confident that the structure is sound, but we will take these reports seriously and will carry out the necessary checks.”

While it has not been used for more than four decades, the Alston Arches could play a key role in South Tynedale’s economic future.

The society acquired ownership of the viaduct in 2014, as part of its ambitious scheme to re-open the old line between Alston and Haltwhistle by 2022.

The society, which already runs a steam train between Alston and Lintley Halt, wants to revive the old line all the way to Haltwhistle to create an economy-boosting tourist attraction.

Extending the line to Haltwhistle would cost around £17m, and the society claimed it would bring an estimated 100,000 visitors per year to the district, creating 50 jobs.

The first phase of the project, a 1.5-mile stretch of line from Lintley Halt to Slaggyford, was completed this year. The Duke of Gloucester will be in South Tynedale on July 24 to open it.