Nicky Line - Decline

Decline

Passenger demand was never high and further declined during the inter-war years. The rivalry between the Midland and LNW Railway companies ensured that the line ultimately failed to serve the people of Hemel Hempstead in the most useful way possible, and the last passenger train ran in December 1947, following a 'temporary' suspension of services due to the national coal shortage.

Following nationalisation of the railways, the connection of the lines at Boxmoor which had so long been a bone of contention was finally resolved, the connection being made to allow coal trains to supply the nearby gasworks at Duckhall. Having finally connected the lines, this service ran for all of six months in 1959 before the line was closed altogether. The viaduct crossing the lower end of Marlowes was demolished on July 6, 1960 during redevelopment of the town centre. Many people turned out to witness the demolition of this local landmark, and the event was well recorded in photographs.

The line between Cupid Green and Harpenden was privately owned by the Hemelite company from 1968, and was used to transport raw materials for manufacturing building blocks via Harpenden to their works at Cupid Green. The line beyond this point to the terminus at Hemel was lifted during the late 1950s.

It is notable that prior to Hemel Hempstead being chosen as the site for a new town, Redbourn was also considered. Had this occurred then the Nicky Line would have been significantly upgraded to provide a link between the main line at Hemel and a new station at Redbourn.