Over the weekend of 12th and 13th April 2025, the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) suffered a serious act of vandalism at its Baron Street site in Bury.
More than 21 windows were smashed across our heritage coaching stock and a privately owned diesel railcar set currently undergoing renovation. Evidence of attempted arson was also discovered at the scene.
Three of our historic carriages were broken into and severely damaged. Windows were shattered; fixtures ripped apart — a cherished piece of railway heritage was treated with complete disregard.
This is not simply about physical damage. These carriages represent years of dedicated restoration work, carried out by volunteers and supported by donations from individuals who care deeply about preserving our region’s rich transport history.
The cost of the damage is expected to exceed £5,000, covering glass replacement and labour alone. This is funding that would have otherwise gone towards restoration projects, community events, and essential operations.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the ELR said: “Like many heritage organisations, we continue to face rising costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and security. We remain committed to operating for the benefit of local families, tourism, and the preservation of historical transport — but incidents like this place an even greater strain on our limited resources.”
“We are calling on the support of our community during this difficult time. We won’t allow this act of mindless destruction to derail the important work we do — but we cannot do it alone.”
How you can help:
- Share this message to raise awareness
- Visit us, volunteer your time, or consider making a donation – justgiving.com/campaign/supporttheelr
Help us continue to protect and preserve a living piece of history. Together, we can protect our heritage.
