Railway's thanks as £15,000 raised after vandalism

THE team behind the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) have thanked the community after raising nearly £15,000 after their carriages were ‘smashed’ in a ‘mindless’ act of vandalism.

- BY NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

More than 28 windows were smashed across the heritage railway on the weekend of April 12 and 13. Evidence of attempted arson was also discovered at the scene on Baron Street in Bury.

The group were issued a £5,000 bill to repair the damage done to the coaching stock and a privately owned diesel railcar, as windows were shattered and treated ‘with complete disregard’

But now the ELR has issued a heartfelt thanks to community members as their fundraiser approaches a huge milestone.