Last Friday (22 July) a milestone was reached. The East Lancashire Railway officially rolled out the latest carriage to their fleet. It is the first ever conversion of a brake van to accommodate wheelchair users, and improves the wheelchair accessibility.

The brake van has recently undergone a six month restoration. It is now able to accommodate up to four wheelchair users with additional seating for friends and family.

From The Chairman

The ELR Chairman, Mike Kelly, said “I would like to take this opportunity to praise all our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard-work and commitment to fund raising and on the renovation itself in making available this wheelchair accessible carriage has led to something the East Lancashire Railway and its visitors can be very proud of. ”

The wheelchair accessible carriage is the first of three carriages to be restored. With the complete range to be rolled out across the railway within the next few years.