Outrage as beloved East Lancs Railway vandalised in ‘calculated act of destruction’

“This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack”

A heritage railway has hit out at ‘disgraceful’ vandals after trains were daubed with graffiti in a ‘deeply frustrating’ act of vandalism.

The Bury-based East Lancashire Railway said police are investigating the incident, which targeted an East Lancashire Railway (ELR) heritage set overnight during the May Bank Holiday. A locomotive and several coaches from the InterCity 125 rolling stock were daubed with extensive graffiti.

The heritage railway has described the ‘mindless attack’ as a ‘calculated act of destruction’. It comes months after one of the coaches had been repainted in February – while it also follows a similar incident last year.

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After discovering the graffiti, volunteers immediately stepped in and worked tirelessly for several hours top clean it up, using specialist materials to remove the graffiti before it could permanently set. ELR says the volunteers’ swift action prevented what could have been significant and lasting damage – although further polishing and restoration work is still required.

Mike Kelly, chairman of ELR, said: “This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers, with many steam and diesel traction owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our railway. It is nothing short of a kick in the teeth for those who work so hard to maintain and preserve historic traction and rolling stock.

“What makes this even more infuriating is that this follows a similar incident less than 12 months ago, when nearly 30 glass panes across two coaches were smashed, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. We are working closely with the police and are determined to see those responsible identified and held accountable.

“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to our outstanding volunteers, whose immediate and determined response ensured the damage was contained. Their commitment stands in stark contrast to the senseless actions of those responsible.”

ELR says Greater Manchester Police attended the scene, gathered evidence and said patrols in the area would be stepped up. Additional CCTV coverage is also being installed as part of strengthened security measures. Anyone with information about those responsible is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.