The East Lancashire Railway has again been the victim of a deliberate and disgraceful act of vandalism overnight during the May Bank Holiday.
A locomotive and several coaches from the InterCity 125 heritage set were targeted in what can only be described as a mindless attack, with extensive graffiti across the rolling stock. One coach had only just been repainted in February, making this damage particularly galling.
This was not opportunistic behaviour — it was a calculated act of destruction against irreplaceable heritage assets cared for by volunteers.
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Once discovered, volunteers immediately stepped in and worked tirelessly for several hours using specialist cleaning materials to remove the graffiti before it could permanently set. Their swift action prevented what could have been significant and lasting damage, although further polishing and restoration work is still required.
Greater Manchester Police attended the scene, gathered evidence, and have confirmed that patrols in the area will be stepped up. Anyone with information about those responsible is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Additional CCTV coverage is being installed immediately as part of strengthened security measures.
A spokesperson for the 125 Group said:
“As a charity that relies on people’s generosity and spare time to what we do, we’re very grateful for the East Lancashire Railway volunteers for their speedy response to clear up this act of violence”.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said:
“This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers, with many steam and diesel traction owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our railway. It is nothing short of a kick in the teeth for those who work so hard to maintain and preserve historic traction and rolling stock.
What makes this even more infuriating is that this follows a similar incident less than 12 months ago, when nearly 30 glass panes across two coaches were smashed, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
We are working closely with the police and are determined to see those responsible identified and held accountable.
I want to place on record my sincere thanks to our outstanding volunteers, whose immediate and determined response ensured the damage was contained. Their commitment stands in stark contrast to the senseless actions of those responsible.”
About East Lancs Railway
ELR opened as a heritage railway in 1987 and hosts around 200,000 visitors annually as one of the leading visitor attractions in the North West. Operating restored steam and diesel trains from Bolton Street Station in Bury, along a 12.5-mile line between Heywood, in Greater Manchester, and Rawtenstall in Lancashire, the railway is consistently recognised with the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
