IN PICTURES: Vandals trigger appeal for help at Peterborough's Nene Valley Railway

NVR staff say that most of the windows in three carriages that had been waiting for restoration were smashed by the vandals in the attack which happened this summer.

Now the heritage railway is appealing for businesses that might be able to provide industrial-quality tarpaulins that can be put over the carriages to prevent further deterioration to get in touch.

They are also appealing for donations from the public to help meet the costs of looking after the carriages.

Chris O’Regan, the railway’s commercial manager, said: “We now need to protect the carriages to prevent further deterioration and ensure they remain capable of being restored in the future.

"This is the purpose of our current appeal for industrial-quality tarpaulins, of the type commonly used by haulage companies.

He said: “Due to the size of the coaches, we estimate that suitable tarpaulins will cost around £1,000 each, and we require three.

"But £3,000 is a significant amount of money for the railway, particularly when it is an unexpected cost caused by vandalism.

"We are therefore appealing for donations to help us purchase the tarpaulins.

"We would also be very interested in hearing from haulage companies that may have suitable industrial tarpaulins which are surplus to requirements but remain in good condition.”

The damaged coaches are:

• Restaurant Miniature Buffet No. 1872, built in 1962
• Second Open No. 4794, built in 1957
• Tourist Second Open No. 4200, built in 1956

Mr O’Regan said that the vandalism had occurred in July and that police had been informed and scenes of crime officers had attended.

He said: “It is difficult to put an exact value on the damage, as these coaches were already awaiting restoration.

"However, just about every window was smashed, meaning that when their turn for restoration comes, there will now be windows to replace that otherwise would likely not have needed replacing.

“The more immediate concern is that the damage has left the coaches much more exposed to the elements.”

The NVR says the cost of restoring a heritage railway carriage can cost more than £20,000.

But this figure can rise considerably before taking into account the staff and volunteer time involved and can mean coaches can wait many years before their turn for restoration comes.

Mr O’Regan said: “We are not only a charity and heritage railway, but also a museum.

"These historic vehicles are part of our collection, and we have a responsibility to protect and preserve them until the time comes when they can be restored, returned to service or put to another suitable use.

“That's why protecting these three coaches now is so important.

"We don't want an act of vandalism to result in their condition deteriorating to the point where their future is put at risk.

He said: “Any assistance, whether through a financial donation, the donation of suitable tarpaulins or simply helping us spread the word about the appeal, would be very much appreciated.”

If you wish to help the tarpaulin appeal visit the Nene Valley Railway website.

Cambridgeshire police have been contacted for a response.