Heritage line in cash plea as Lotto bid fails
Great Central Railway says it is in need of funds
GREAT Central Railway has launched an appeal for donations after it was turned down for cash by the National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund.
The railway, which runs from Loughborough to north Leicester, has seen income drop by £1 million due to coronavirus so far and managing director, Michael Gough, says he expects to lose another £1 million over the coming months.
The railway trustees had decided against making any appeal for donations at the beginning of the coronavirus emergency but have now changed their minds and are appealing for support after finding out their application for £250,000 of lottery money had been refused.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Gough said: “We stand to lose more than £2 million this year. This funding was about paying wages and vital maintenance.
“There are lots of projects that now just won’t happen.
“We were confident of getting this grant, we put in a good application, so it’s a bitter blow to be turned down.”
The Heritage Emergency Fund said in a statement: “We were unable to support the application as it focused on costs for capital works, which were outside the scope of the programme, rather than emergency or stabilising costs.
“We understand this is disappointing news.”
Great Central shut all operations between late March and late July.
At the beginning of the lockdown, the management made a decision not to mount a crisis appeal, in order to avoid diverting donations from its other appeals, such as the one for locomotive works.
However, as the crisis has gone on, funds set aside for many other planned projects have been used for day-to-day costs.
The appeal jects:
Replacing the 120-year-old Bridge 341, just north of Quorn and Woodhouse Station.
Improving the railway yard at Quorn and Woodhouse Station and creating a classroom and education centre. Repairing and rebuilding fencing along the railway to prevent trespassing on the tracks.
Mr Gough said: “The enforced closure has impacted massively on our operations and available cash. “We are, however, committed to ensuring we expand our activities for the remainder of the year as best we can do so within an environment that is safe for staff and visitors alike. “A successful appeal will help to ensure all of our operations are wellmaintained and we can enter into 2021 with renewed hope for our future and the preservation of our heritage.” The Winter Wonderlights and Santa Specials train rides will be going ahead this year with social distancing. Tickets will be going on sale soon.
The first class Pullman dining service will recommence on Saturday, September 19, with safety screens fitted in restaurant cars.
To donate to the Great Central Railway appeal, go to: gcrailway.co.uk/emergency-projectappeal is to support three pro
We were confident of getting this grant so it’s a bitter blow to be turned down