MER overhead cable theft

THE Manx Electric Railway

(MER) was closed between Derby Castle and Laxey on the afternoon of July 20, after the overhead wires were brought down and supporting poles damaged at the level crossing between the Liverpool Arms and Baldrine, known as Halfway House.

When the repair team arrived the next day it found 200 metres of the copper cable was missing, apparently stolen overnight. Following repairs, MER operations recommenced on July 25, just in time for the start of Isle of Man Transport’s July 27-31 Summer Transport Festival.