Heritage railway back on steam

THE East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has finally welcomed visitors back following months of lockdown, after its planned re-opening was delayed by Greater Manchester’s new coronavirus rules.

The much-loved heritage attraction, which runs between Bury, Heywood and Rawtenstall, had intended to resume passenger services on August 1.

But it put those plans on hold in order to properly assess what the surprise further lockdown measures announced for Greater Manchester on the evening of July 30 would mean for the public, staff and volunteers.

The line reopened on Saturday, with a range of further safety measures in addition to the extensive plans already in place.

Under the new safety measures, all visitors will be required to book tickets in advance of travel.

There will also be an enhanced track and trace system.

Visitors and staff will be required to have their temperature taken upon arrival at the station and anyone with a high temperature will not be allowed to enter.

Family groups are requested not to mingle with other people outside their own bubble, and seating will be restricted to maximise social distancing.

Face masks will be compulsory for all visitors and additional cleaning measures and sanitation facilities will be available.

One way systems for entry and exit from stations will be in place and social distancing must be maintained at all times.

The railway’s anticipated return followed months of uncertainty, during which its long-term future was cast into doubt.

ELR chairman Mike Kelly said: “Naturally, after weeks of preparation, we were disappointed not to be able to welcome back visitors and our volunteers last weekend as we had initially planned. But the safety of our passengers and volunteers is our number one priority.

“We’ve spent this last week enhancing our already robust safety measures and are really thrilled at the prospect of finally bringing the ELR out of its deep slumber and offering our visitors again the unique experience of a heritage railway.

“We want to thank everyone for their continued patience as we’ve adapted our reopening plans in line with the latest Government guidelines.

“We’ll continue to be responsive to the situation to operate as safely as possible at all times.”

Train fans shared their happiness at the reopening of the line on the ELR’s Facebook page, describing it as ‘fantastic news’.

The ELR’s two pubs, The Trackside and Buffer Stops, reopened in July.