‘Bitter blow’ as rules derail Santa Specials
EAST Lancashire Railway (ELR) has been dealt another “bitter blow” after being forced to cancel its enormously popular Santa Special trains.
The Santa specials, which had been due to take place over two weekends this month cannot go ahead due to Tier 3 restictions, and following advice from Bury Council.
The event would have seen families enjoy a steam train ride to Rawtenstall and back through the Irwell Valley and the chance to meet Santa and his elves.
Mike Kelly, chairman of ELR, said staff and volunteers are “bitterly disappointed” by the news, especially after having worked so hard to make the experience Covidsafe.
He said: “This news will be a bitter disappointment for our staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare our Santa Specials in a way that was fully compliant with the covid-19 restrictions.
“However, with the announcement of new Tier 3 regulations last week, we’ve had to pause again and reassess the plans.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that we have to make this announcement at such a late stage, but this was simply out of our control.
“We cannot operate Santa Specials without the permission of Bury Council, and it has taken them time to assess the new regulations and give us a decision.
“I want to sincerely thank all our customers and volunteers for their patience as we work to understand the impact of Tier 3 on further Santa Specials from 19 December.”
The cancellation is the latest blow for the railway, which was forced to close completely from March to August, and it puts its continued future into doubt.
ELR said it remains in discussion with Bury Council to understand if it can adapt operations in order to run a covid-secure service that complies with stricter Tier 3 regulations.
Passengers booked onto Santa Specials for the remaining dates from December 19 will be updated as soon as the discussions conclude.
Refunds will be available for passengers booked onto the Santa Special weekends of December 5-6 and 12-13 and these will be processed automatically.
Coun Jane Black, cabinet member for the cultural economy, said: “We completely understand that the Government’s new Tier 3 rules will be a bitter blow to the East Lancs Railway, and to the many children and families who were looking forward to a festive ride on the Santa Specials.
“However, the law specifically says that indoor attractions at heritage railways must close.
“We all want life to get back to normal, particularly on special occasions such as Christmas.
“This demonstrates the importance of getting the covid infection rate down, so the Government will move us out of Tier 3 and restrictions on our daily lives are eased. The next review is due in two weeks’ time.
“We will be having further discussions with the ELR to see if other Christmas entertainment can be provided at the stations in accordance with the law.”
ELR launched the East Lancashire Railway Support Fund during lockdown and is appealing to supporters to continue to help to ensure that the latest setback doesn’t put it’s continued survival under threat.