It seems vandals have struck again at our heritage railway centre. Nottinghamshire Police are reporting that, over the past few nights, a total of six windows over a number of carriages have been broken at Ruddington’s Great Central Railway – Nottingham.
The latest, mindless attack comes as railway volunteers are still trying to raise funds to fix the estimated £80,000 of damage caused there by vandalism just over three months ago. On that occasion two boys were arrested in connection with the incident. It also resulted in the setting up of a dedicated fundraising page called ‘We will not be broken’ by LNER(GC) Heritage Trust to raise money towards the massive cost of repairs in the wake of the concerted wrecking spree, with the total raised so far last reported to be around £13,000. However, the latest damage means the total repair bill has now gone up even further. Donations are still being gratefully received via either Virgin Giving >>HERE<< or Paypal >>HERE<< to try to get affected buildings, heritage locomotives, rolling stock and other equipment in Ruddington fixed and back into use
GCRN Director Phil Stanway said: “As an entirely volunteer based museum and visitor attraction, with no paid staff and no external funding, this is heartbreaking for all those volunteers who have put their time, effort and money into the various projects here at Ruddington.”
The diesel hauled services planned by GCRN for this Saturday (10th August) have been cancelled, but this Sunday’s steam trains are scheduled to continue as normal.
The Police commented: “This type of incident causes distress and upset to the dedicated workers at the centre. They work tirelessly in trying to bring these historic trains back to life for future generations to enjoy.”
If you have any information which may assist officers in apprehending the latest offenders you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 000234-08082019, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
{Photos from West Bridgford Police}
