LIFELINE FOR STEAM’S THREATENED STEELWORKS?

Scunthorpe’s threatened steelworks, home to the Appleby-Frodingham Railway Preservation Society, has been thrown a potential lifeline with a bid from Network Rail for part of British Steel.

NR, which relies on the business for 95% of its rail supplies, has made an offer for Scunthorpe’s rail division – although this will only go ahead if a buyer cannot be found for the site as a whole.

A spokesperson for NR said: “We continue to support British Steel, working with the liquidator and any new owner of the company. We have made an indicative offer for some railway-critical assets, although our overwhelming preference is that a purchaser for the entire business is found. We are very clear that our offer will not undermine that.”

British Steel was placed into compulsory liquidation on May 22, putting 3,000 jobs at risk at the Lincolnshire works. However, the AFRPS is continuing to operate its steamhauled railtours around the site until further notice (SR494).

The AFRPS’ publicity officer said: “At the moment for us it’s business as usual for now. All we know for sure is it’s going to take time to decide, whatever the outcome.

“We support the site and the workers at this time, and we hope everyone will support the campaigns going on to save Scunthorpe steelworks and the other sites.

“The tours however, are still doing well, as are our driving experiences for both steam and diesel.”

ROBERT FALCONER Avonside 0-6-0ST Cranford, the current mainstay of the Appleby-Frodingham Railway Preservation Society’s railtours, shunts loaded steel wagons in Scunthorpe works on April 13. This picture was taken during a private charter – passengers on the AFRPS railtours must remain on the train.