The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced that there will not be any public trains running for the remainder of the Summer 2020 operating season.
Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the Railway’s Trust, said: “The railway recognises that our passengers will be disappointed by this decision, but the railway has come to the conclusion that the reduced service we could provide taking into account our rolling stock and the current social distancing measures make such a service unviable for the railway.
“This year despite the public closure the railway’s volunteers have been working hard to prepare the railway for our winter operations and our 2021 season, and we have therefore decided it is better for the long term future of the railway to continue this work during September”, he added.
Volunteers have been able to return to work following the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions, and the railway has benefitted from an effort to improve the track, signalling and rolling stock.
The General Manager of the Mid Norfolk Railway, George Saville said: “Sadly, Covid-19 resulted in the MNR’s 25th Anniversary events having to be cancelled, but our volunteer teams have instead of running the railway been working hard to improve and develop the line. This will mean that as we enter our next 25 years, we as a railway will be in the best situation we can be.”
During the closure to the public, the railway has renewed track in a number of places including the upgrade of Yaxham Road level crossing in Dereham, where signalling work continues as part of the long term project to return passenger services to County School station.
A number of the railway’s Mk1 and Mk2 coaches have been refurbished which includes being painted into BR maroon livery. Work on the ex- Greater Anglia Mk3 coaches is progressing, with them being returned to original seat configuration.
Charlie Robinson said: “We at the railway are looking forward to our running season next year, which will include the first visit of the Flying Scotsman to an East Anglian heritage railway. We are therefore confident that when we welcome our passengers back, they will see a number of improvements as we continue to restore and develop the railway.”
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