Heritage railway hit by 'mindless' graffiti attack

A heritage railway was targted in a "mindless" graffiti attack that saw a locomotive and several coaches covered in spray paint.

East Lancashire Railway volunteers said stock from their "irreplaceable" InterCity 125 set were vandalised over the bank holiday weekend in "an act of destruction".

They then spent hours cleaning to "prevent what could have been significant and lasting damage", they said.

One of the coaches had recently been repainted in February, meaning the damage was "particularly galling".

The railway runs on a 12.5 mile (20 km) line between Heywood, Greater Manchester, and Rawtenstall in Lancashire.

It cuts through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages.

"This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers," said Mike Kelly, the railway's chairman.

"Many of the steam and diesel traction are owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our railway."

He added: "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."

Kelly said the railway was working closely with Greater Manchester Police, who had increased patrols in the area.

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