NELPG remains ‘in negotiation’ over the future of its workshop in Darlington

THE North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG) said that no deal over a proposed move to the 1861 Shed on the Railway Heritage Quarter at Hopetown had yet been agreed, despite a press release to the contrary issued by Darlington Borough Council (DBC) on March 5.

The press release reporting the compromise agreement reached over the move of Locomotion No.1 also said that NELPG will be occupying and operating at the shed, along with the Darlington Railway Preservation Society.

A NELPG statement subsequently said: “In respect of NELPG, this is not the case. NELPG is in negotiation with DBC to see if the 1861 Shed can be configured to meet our needs, but has, as yet, made no commitment to move into the building.

“DBC has acknowledged that to be the case, apologised for its error, and has given an assurance that a correction has been advised to all recipients of the original press release. It would appear that the message did not get through to all.

“Members will continue to be advised of progress with the discussions with DBC, but if unsuccessful, the group will have to find a new base for its overhauls, after 20 years at Hopetown.”