UK - Train delayed due to spate of thefts

[John Ashworth]

Train delayed due to spate of thefts

Saturday, April 11, 2009, 09:00
thisislouth.co.uk

A SPATE of break-ins meant what should have been a momentous day for the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, went off the rails.

It had been hoped that Sunday, March 29, would see the first public passenger train in more than 38 years pulling into North Thoresby station, marking the opening of a half-mile track extension from Ludborough to the village.

However, in the autumn, thieves struck, making off with £30,000 of brass and fittings from the locomotives – one of which was on loan – meaning the plans ran out of steam.

Neil Brown, commercial director of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, said: "As far as funds are concerned we have hit the buffers.

"Money earmarked for the extension has had to be spent replacing equipment and providing extra security, CCTV and the like.

"While we have received donations from local companies, for which we are very grateful,we still need £5,000 to buy ballast to complete the packing of the line before we can be sanctioned for running by HM Railway Inspectorate."

He added: "In order to reward our supporters and attract new passengers it is imperative we raise the funds to enable us to steam into North Thoresby in weeks, rather than months. Hence the urgency of our appeal.

"I just hope Grimsby Telegraph readers will support our cause. I know money is tight at the moment and for this reason we have put together an excellent package for sponsors."

The following incentives will be received by contributors:

Bronze donation, £25: Quality Certificate of Donation – LWR Family Day Pass, value £15.

Silver donation, £50: The same benefits as bronze, plus one-year membership (includes three On the Line magazines and 25 per cent Full Steam Ahead For Appeal discount off train tickets – excluding 1940s weekend and Santa Specials) – total value £2,800.

Gold donation, £100: Silver benefits plus a steam loco footplate ride, total value £53.

The first 10 people to donate £100 or more will also receive a framed archive railway print, courtesy of the Friends Of The National Railway Museum.

Open days are being held on the railway throughout the summer.

Can you help?

Cheques should be made payable to LWR and sent to LWR c/o 119 Yarborough Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN34 4EE. Contact the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway appeal, call 01507 363861 or visit www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk