Llangollen Railway hit by vandalism costing thousands

 

* A picture from Facebook of the vandalised trains.

Just as it is making a good recovery from the pandemic and its own financial crisis Llangollen Railway has been targeted by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to its rolling stock.

On its Facebook page earlier today the railway revealed that the wreckers had struck at two trains parked in the sidings, spraying them both heavily with coloured paint.

And railway officials are now urging anyone with information about the attack to ring them in confidence.

The railway’s post says: “Devasted to report that last night Llangollen Railway was targeted by vandals.

“Two DMUs (diesel multiple units) were spray painted and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

“If you really care and have any information that may help to identify the criminals, please telephone 01978 860979 for a confidential chat.”

Being subjected to this kind of wanton attack is the last thing the railway needs as it tries its best to get back on track following the deep financial crisis of last spring which plunged it into receivership and months of closure due to Covid restrictions.

Despite its troubles the heritage attraction has fought its way back into the financial black and has once again started to run the train services, including steam, which are its life’s blood.

John Joyce, head of railcars department, said: "We were shocked and saddened to discover this senseless vandalism when our crew turned up on Wednesday morning to operate the day's railcar service to Carrog. 

"Fortunately, we were able to operate the day's services as scheduled with another railcar, but the damage will need considerable time and expense to put right. Both the time and money could have been put to far more productive uses than removing this mindless damage."

He added: "After all that the Llangollen Railway has overcome during the last 18 months, enabling it to reopen in stages since July, this is one more setback that was totally unnecessary.

"Many thousands of visitors have enjoyed their visits to the line since that reopening, helping to bring back much-needed tourism to the area and its local businesses."

News of the vandalism prompted a torrent of anger against the culprits on Facebook.      

Comments on the story include:

No words!!! all the time and effort gone into reopening

All that time and effort they spent ...bloody awful

A number of heritage railways have been subject to similar vandalism in the past year. Volunteer night watchmen might help but I don't think Llangollen Police station is open all night so police would send either a mobile traffic team or officers from Wrexham

Disgusting behaviour 

This is dreadful. Is there anywhere one can donate towards the cost of the repaint?

Why absolute idiots

Absolutely unbelievable. After so many people have worked so hard to get the railway going again.

Devastating

Absolutely disgusting