Network Rail has announced that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is set to benefit from a raft of tools and equipment delivered through a new partnership. Redundant track pieces, along with tools, equipment, trolleys, and a large piece of machinery used to lay down track, have been handed over to the heritage railway near Manchester by Network Rail teams.
The ELR – a not-for-profit charity – is a community-centred organisation mostly staffed by volunteers, and the new tools will allow them to repair faults on their railway and respond to problems more quickly.
The ELR opened as a heritage railway in 1987 and hosts around 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of the leading visitor attractions in the North West. The railway operates restored steam and diesel trains from Bolton Street Station in Bury, along a 12.5-mile line between Heywood, in Greater Manchester, and Rawtenstall in Lancashire.
The ELR and Network Rail partnership
The news of donated equipment comes after Network Rail staff teamed up with the heritage railway in a new partnership. The deal allows railway materials that are no longer needed on the national rail network – such as rail, sleepers and equipment – to be reused safely on heritage lines, helping to keep historic trains running while reducing waste and costs.
The ELR welcomes thousands of visitors each year, including community and school groups, and this partnership means the heritage track and stations will continue to run smoothly. In return, the ELR will provide facilities and opportunities that allow Network Rail to showcase the railway’s past, present and future in an authentic heritage setting, helping to bring rail history and careers to life for people across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
“I always say Network Rail looks after the future and the ELR preserve Manchester and Lancashire’s proud industrial transport heritage.”
Clare Waller, Network Rail’s Manchester area director, said: “Our partnership with the East Lancashire Railway is great for both parties. It means our staff get to support an amazing cause and some of our surplus pieces of equipment can have a new life.
“We’re really proud to be working with the team at the ELR and helping them to delight passengers and visitors.”
Mike Kelly, East Lancashire Railway chairman, said: “We are delighted to be part of such a unique partnership based on mutual respect and desire to help each other out. This partnership is voluntary and it’s a vote of confidence and support to the ELR from a great bunch of dedicated professionals.
“Since the partnership was launched a few months ago, we have enjoyed a very close working relationship. Both organisations have key transport roles, and I always say Network Rail looks after the future and the ELR preserve Manchester and Lancashire’s proud industrial transport heritage.”
