Wensleydale Railway has launched a new fundraising campaign aimed at safeguarding its long-term future.
The heritage line, which runs for 22 miles, faces the challenge of balancing rising operating and maintenance costs with the need to generate new income.
It is also finding it increasingly difficult to source good quality rail, sleepers and track equipment at affordable prices.
The ‘Securing our Future’ appeal has two main goals:
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To secure sufficient track materials to help restore passenger services to Redmire and meet future maintenance needs.
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To build a service and ash pit at Leeming Bar to support plans for steam services, improve visitor experience and generate extra income.
Richard Leathley, director of Wensleydale Railway PLC and chairman of The Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust) Limited, said a slight change in priorities had been made this year.
“This shift in focus has come about because of a very welcome opportunity that has arisen to acquire vital track materials, and our plans to install service and ash pit facilities at Leeming Bar in support of future steam locomotive operations,” he said.
“These will be of significant benefit to secure our railway’s future. We remain committed to our goal of restoring passenger services to Redmire as soon as possible.”
The railway has secured a donation of track, points and signalling items worth around £500,000. However, it needs to raise up to £50,000 to clear the donor’s site and transport the materials.
Fundraising and marketing manager Nick Keegan said: “Securing the track will support our Redmire plans and ongoing maintenance needs into the future. It will also allow us to replace track at Leeming Bar as part of the proposed ash pit project and create a storage siding at Wensley Station.
“I urge people to support this appeal and join us in securing our railway’s future.”
Donations can be made at: justgiving.com/campaign/securingourfuture
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