Peterborough heritage railway renews appeal for help after vandals leave trail of destruction
A renewed appeal for help has gone out from Peterborough’s Nene Valley Railway after vandals left a trail of destruction at the heritage railway.
Three historic train carriages were damaged by the vandals who smashed most of the windows in the rolling stock that was awaiting for restoration.
Officials have appealed for donations to help purchase tarpaulins to protect the carriages, which is a total cost of £3,000, or for companies that may have suitable industrial tarpaulins which are surplus to requirements but remain in good condition.
Chris O’Regan, the railway’s commercial manager, said: “We have raised £430 in donations so far. We've also had some offers of coverings for the coaches
He said: “We definitely need help still, at least until we have secured all three tarpaulins or suitable alternatives to cover the coaches.”
The coaches damaged in the attack in July were:
- 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 added: “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.
This can rise considerably and means coaches can wait years before their turn for restoration.
To help the tarpaulin appeal visit the Nene Valley Railway website.