WEST LANCS FUTURE SECURE AFTER LAND PURCHASE DEAL

‘Dark cloud’ over railway’s future has been lifted, but now fundraising is a priority.

The future of the West Lancashire Light Railway is secure after it signed a contract to purchase the land on which it runs from its landlord.

The 2ft gauge railway’s existence was thrown into doubt earlier this year after the nearby former Alty brickworks was demolished to make way for a housing development, with the potential for the railway to follow suit (SR491).

However, the railway’s members voted to buy the land from landlords Henry Alty (Investments)

LLP for £260,000, but although £100,000 had already been raised through donations from trust members and supporters, the WLLR needed to borrow the remaining £160,000.

With the railway substantially closer to its target, WLLR Trust chairman Mike Spall signed the contract to purchase the land on August 5, with the deal completed four days later.

He said: “With the tremendous support given to us by our members, friends, neighbours and supporters, we have achieved our goal of raising the £260,000 required for the land purchase.

“A dark cloud over the future of the railway has been lifted and we can now start to develop and invest in our popular railway. Our visitors can expect to see great things in the coming years as our plans are rolled out.”

Improvements include new site access and a car park, new toilets with disabled access and a new electrical substation.

However, the railway still needs more donors to its Redevelopment Appeal. Mr Spall added: “The funding situation still needs to be resolved. We urgently need to raise more money to repay the loans we have taken out to fund the land purchase.”

For more details on how to help, visit: www.westlancsrailway.org/ redevelopment

●● The WLLR is reviewing its safety management system and operational procedures ahead of a visit from the Office of Rail & Road in late August.