Lifeline for the ELR

THE EAST Lancashire Railway (ELR) has received a vital cash boost to help towards safeguarding its future, as the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic has left it fighting for financial survival. It was only able to run a limited Christmas service and lost its lucrative Santa Specials due to COVID-19 restrictions, thus severely reducing its income. The ELR Trust has given the railway a £300,000 interest-free loan to help it get through the remainder of the challenging winter period and provide moral support to its staff and volunteers.

The ELR Trust is a charity made up of four groups of Trustees including the three local authorities the railway runs through – Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale.

East Lancashire Railway Chairman Mike Kelly said: “We’re incredibly proud of the timeless experience the ELR provides for hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers. However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced us into an extremely challenging financial situation as successive lockdowns and tier restrictions have taken their toll and deprived us of crucial visitor income. Without the Christmas income we were reduced to facing the prospect of bankruptcy. As we enter 2021, with no certainty on when we can reopen, significant financial challenges still persist. And so we are incredibly grateful for the support from the ELR Trust and this precious lifeline of a timely and generous £300,000 loan, which gives hope for the future.”

The line currently remains closed until further notice. To support East Lancashire Railway visit and to fnd out more about helping out at the railway visit: www. eastlancsrailway.org.uk