Network Rail fence off Harry Styles viaduct to protect it from fans

Grade-II listed Twemlow Viaduct, near the singer’s home village of Holmes Chapel, has become a must-visit destination for fans, many of whom scratch their names into the bricks.

However, Network Rail, who own the site, says this has caused ‘well-meaning’ damage to the 183-year-old viaduct.

As such, it has now been fenced off for its protection, with a new purpose-built wall put in place for fans to leave their names and messages.

Rob Stephens, Network Rail’s principal route engineer, said: “Twemlow viaduct is not only a historic railway structure that transports important passenger and freight services on the West Coast main line, but it also attracts people travelling far and wide to see it in person.

“We understand how much the viaduct means to Harry Styles fans, but unfortunately some visitors are writing messages on its brickwork.

“To preserve the viaduct’s historic status and not spoil anyone’s fun, we have fitted an alternative wall to allow ‘Harries’ to continue to leave their messages of love and support.”

Twemlow viaduct is a 183-year-old Grade II listed structure which takes trains from Manchester to Crewe through Holmes Chapel on the busy West Coast main line.

In recent years, fans from across the world have flocked to the 23-arch viaduct and marked their names into the bricks, where it is believed Styles spent time in his younger days.

The former One Direction star even signed the wall himself in the band’s biopic, This is Us.

To prevent further damage, on Thursday (August 29) Network Rail unveiled a new wall made up of blank panels, which fans are invited to sign.

Sophia and Imogen from Colorado signing the new wall at Twemlow Viaduct (Image: Calvin Marketing / SWNS)

Holmes Chapel Partnership, which takes fans to the site as part of its popular Harry’s Home Village Tour, said the site is a ‘mecca’ for Styles fans.

Peter Whiers, chairman of the partnership, said: “We are delighted to see Network Rail recognising the mecca that Twemlow Viaduct has become and installing this blank canvas that will enable Harry Styles fans to express themselves creatively when visiting.

"This new wall is an important next step in both protecting the heritage of Twemlow Viaduct and continuing to raise the profile of Holmes Chapel on the tourist map for Cheshire.

"We are excited to see how fans react and take ownership of the wall over the coming weeks, while ensuring the viaduct remains a cherished landmark for future generations.”

Harry's Home Village Tour guides sign the wall at Twemlow Viaduct (Image: Calvin Marketing / SWNS)